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

SB 2115 requires all Rhode Island hospitals to have a notary public available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This applies directly to hospitals and ensures patients can get advance healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and wills notarized during hospitalization, either in person or by a notary visiting the patient's room. The notary must verify signatures with valid ID and be accessible through the patient services department. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not change medical care standards, only hospital administrative procedures.