2018 Massachusetts General Laws
PART I ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
TITLE XVI PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 112 REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
Section 12G1/2 Physician reporting of diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease to family member or legal personal representative of patient
Section 12G1/2. (a) A physician registered under this chapter shall, upon an initial diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease of a patient, report the diagnosis to a family member or legal personal representative of the patient and provide to that family member or legal personal representative information and resources related to the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease; provided, however, that the physician shall only report the diagnosis and provide the information if: (i) the physician has first obtained the consent of the patient; or (ii) to the extent consistent with federal and state law or regulation, in the reasonable judgment of the physician, the patient is incapacitated or unable to provide consent. A physician shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability or disciplinary action by the board of registration in medicine based on a decision, made pursuant to this section, to communicate with or to not communicate with a family member or legal personal representative of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
