§ 7-661.03 — Responsibilities of the attending physician.

District of Columbia § 7-661.03

• Jurisdiction: District of Columbia
• Title 7: Human Health Care and Safety.
• Ch. 6B: Physician Assisted Death.

Text

(a) Upon receiving a written request for a covered medication pursuant to § 7-661.02(a)(2) , the attending physician shall:

(1) Determine that the patient:

(A) Has a terminal disease;

(B) Is capable;

(C) Has made the request voluntarily; and

(D) Is a resident of the District of Columbia;

(2) Inform the patient of:

(A) His or her medical diagnosis;

(B) His or her prognosis;

(C) The potential risks associated with taking a covered medication;

(D) The probable result of taking a covered medication; and

(E) The feasible alternatives to taking a covered medication, including comfort care, hospice care, and pain control;

(3) Refer the patient to a consulting physician;

(4) Refer the patient to counseling if appropriate, pursuant to § 7-661.04 ;

(5) Inform the patient of the availability of supportive counseling to address the range of possible psychological and emotional stress involved with the end stages of life;

(6) Recommend that the patient notify next of kin, friends, and spiritual advisor, if applicable, of his or her decision to request a covered medication;

(7) Counsel the patient about the importance of having another person present when the patient takes a covered medication and of not taking a covered medication in a public place;

(8) Inform the patient that he or she has an opportunity to rescind a request for a covered medication at any time and in any manner;

(9) Verify, immediately before writing the prescription for a covered medication, that the patient is making an informed decision; and

(10) Fulfill the medical record documentation requirements of § 7-661.06 .

(b) If a consulting physician receives a referral for a patient from an attending physician pursuant to subsection (a)(3) of this section, the consulting physician shall:

(1) Examine the patient and his or her relevant medical records to confirm, in writing, the attending physician's diagnosis that the patient is suffering from a terminal disease;

(2) Verify, in writing, to the attending physician that the patient:

(A) Is capable;

(B) Is acting voluntarily; and

(C) Has made an informed decision; and

(3) Refer the patient to counseling if appropriate, pursuant to § 7-661.04 .