R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66.13-2: Purpose.

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to achieve all of the following:

(1) Provide assistance in gathering and assessing information, making informed decisions, and communicating decisions for adults who would benefit from decision-making assistance;

(2) Give supporters legal status to be with the adult and participate in discussions with others when the adult is making decisions or attempting to obtain information;

(3) Enable supporters to assist in making and communicating decisions for the adult but not substitute as the decision maker for that adult; and

(4) Establish the use of supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship.

(b) This chapter is to be administered and interpreted in accordance with all of the following principles:

(1) All adults should be able to choose to live in the manner they wish and to accept or refuse support, assistance, or protection;

(2) All adults should be able to be informed about and participate in the management of their affairs; and

(3) The values, beliefs, wishes, cultural norms, and traditions that adults hold should be respected in supporting adults to manage their affairs.