2017 Massachusetts General Laws
PART I ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
TITLE XVII PUBLIC WELFARE
Chapter 119 PROTECTION AND CARE OF CHILDREN, AND PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THEM
Section 38A Petitions for order to not resuscitate or to withdraw life-sustaining medical treatment; required recommendations; appeals
Section 38A. In any proceedings related to court orders to not resuscitate or to withdraw life-sustaining medical treatment, the department or the party petitioning for the order shall require: (i) a written opinion from the child's treating physician, (ii) a written recommendation from the ethics committee of the hospital at which the child is a patient, and (iii) a written second opinion from a physician who is certified in the same medical specialty as the child's treating physician and who is not affiliated with the hospital at which the child is a patient. The department or the party petitioning for the order shall submit these documents to the court. The commissioner shall determine and make the department's recommendation to the court. The court shall also seek a recommendation from the child's parent or guardian. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to make a recommendation to the court on behalf of the child. Any appeal made under this section shall be an interlocutory appeal.
