(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. History of Section.P.L. 2019, ch. 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. History of Section.P.L. 2019, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 124, § 1.
Rhode Island Legal Code