What Do I Need to Sign My Healthcare Proxy in Rhode Island?
Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for healthcare proxies in Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rhode Island requires 2 witnesses for a healthcare proxy.R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.10-2Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses cannot be: The person named as your healthcare agent, Your alternate healthcare agent, Your healthcare provider, Healthcare facility employees, Healthcare facility owners/operators. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
In Rhode Island, notarization can serve as an alternative to witnesses for a healthcare proxy.R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.10-2Verified Jul 15, 2026 Either witnesses or notarization satisfies the execution requirements.
Rhode Island allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) for healthcare proxies.R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.10-2Verified Jul 15, 2026 The notarization can be completed via secure video call with an approved RON provider. The state also accepts out-of-state RON.
To execute a healthcare proxy in Rhode Island: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Get the document notarized (standard practice, not required). 2 witnesses must be physically present, so the signing cannot be completed remotely
Yes. Rhode Island has an explicit reciprocity statuteR.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.10-11Verified Jul 15, 2026: a healthcare directive executed in another state is honored in Rhode Island if it was valid where signed. Rhode Island recognizes healthcare powers of attorney executed in another state if valid where executed. The document portability tool covers reciprocity rules in detail.
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