AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY

SB 682 requires all Rhode Island hospitals to have a notary public on staff and available 24/7, including through the patient services department. This directly affects hospitals and patients needing to notarize healthcare documents like advance directives, powers of attorney, or wills during hospitalization. The bill mandates that notaries must be available for in-room visits upon request (with valid ID), and documents must be signed in their presence. It takes effect upon passage and does not specify penalties for non-compliance.