Rhode Island § 9-19-29 - Evidence

§ 9-19-29. Admissibility of records of deceased physicians, dentists and professional engineers.

(a) In all actions for the recovery of benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act, chapters 29 — 38 of title 28, for personal injury or death, and in all actions for the recovery of damages for personal injury or death in any civil proceeding, if a physician, dentist, or professional engineer has died prior to the time of the trial of the action, the written records, reports, or bills of the physician or dentist concerning the patient who suffered the injury or death, and the reports and scale drawings of the professional engineer concerning matter relevant to the circumstances under which the injury or death was sustained, shall be admissible in evidence.

(b) In all actions for the recovery of benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act for personal injury or death and in all actions for the recovery of damages for personal injury or death in any civil proceeding, if a physician, dentist, or professional engineer has moved out of this state prior to trial or cannot be located within this state after a reasonable search, and whose whereabouts and address are unknown, any written records, reports, or bills of the physician or dentist concerning the patient who suffered the injury or death, and the reports and scale drawings of the professional engineer concerning matter relevant to the circumstances under which the injury or death was sustained, shall be admissible in evidence and the patient may testify as to the medical or dental services provided and the treatment received, and another physician or dentist may provide evidence as to the medical or dental services or treatment as if the physician or dentist had been the one who rendered the services or treatment, including evidence as to the fair and reasonable charge for the services, the necessity of the services or treatment and any other matter.