Rhode Island law

Elder Laws in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island elder-law practice covers Medicaid long-term care planning, powers of attorney, advance directives, guardianships through the municipal Probate Courts, nursing home resident rights, and Adult Protective Services. Rhode Island follows the federal 60-month Medicaid lookback. Rhode Island Department of Human Services administers Medicaid. Rhode Island has the distinctive system of municipal Probate Courts (each of 39 cities/towns has its own), which administer guardianships and estates at the local level.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Rhode Island Statutes

GuardianshipR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-15-1 et seq.

Guardianship of incapacitated adults is adjudicated in municipal Probate Courts. Limited guardianship is preferred. Annual reporting required.

Uniform Durable Power of AttorneyR.I. Gen. Laws § 18-16-1 et seq.

Rhode Island authorizes durable powers of attorney. Powers may be durable and continue through principal's incapacity.

Living WillR.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.11-1 et seq.

Rhode Island's Rights of the Terminally Ill Act authorizes living wills. Statutory form available.

Health Care Power of AttorneyR.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.10-2

Durable power of attorney for health care authorizing agent to make medical decisions when principal lacks capacity.

Medicaid Long-Term Care42 U.S.C. § 1396p; RI DHS rules

Federal 60-month lookback on asset transfers. Rhode Island administers Medicaid through the Department of Human Services.

Adult Protective ServicesR.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-1 et seq.

APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults 60+. Certain professionals are mandated reporters.

State law

Official Sources

RI Office of Healthy Aging Rhode Island General Assembly

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.

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Elder Laws in Rhode Island.

Key Rhode Island Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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