Source: https://development.code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/7-1231.08.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 20:27:50+00:00

Document:
D.C. Law Library - § 7–1231.08. Administration of medication.
↪ § 7–1231.08. Administration of medication.
(a) Except as provided in this section, no consumer shall be administered medication for the purpose of mental health treatment without his or her informed consent. In seeking a consumer’s informed consent, the Department or other provider shall present the consumer with information about the proposed medication, including the purpose for its administration, possible side effects, and its potential risks and benefits, as well as information about feasible alternative treatments.
(b) If a consumer has been certified as incapacitated for purposes of making a health care decision in accordance with § 21-2204, his or her attorney-in-fact or substitute health care decision-maker may consent to the administration of medication only in accordance with the consumer’s treatment preferences as expressed in his or her durable power of attorney for health care or declaration of advance instructions for mental health treatment. This preference may be overridden only after the procedures set forth in subsection (c) of this section are followed.
(8) The right to have any decision of a neutral party that is appealed to the panel stayed pending a determination by the panel regarding whether the decision should stand or be overturned.
(d) A consumer’s refusal to consent to medication on the basis of a valid religious objection shall not be overridden absent a specific court order requiring the provider to administer the medication.
(e) Family members and personal representatives to whom the consumer has authorized release of information in accordance with Chapter 12 of this title, shall be notified whenever a provider involuntarily administers medication pursuant to subsections (c) or (d) of this section.
(f) The neutral party, and members of the panel and their employers, shall be immune from suit for any claim arising from any good faith act or omission under this section.
This section is referenced in § 7-1231.07, § 7-1231.14, and § 24-531.09.
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 208 of Mental Health Service Delivery Reform Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-144, October 23, 2001, 48 DCR 9947).

References: § 7
 § 7
 § 21
 § 7
 § 7
 § 24
 § 208