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News  The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine Guidance on Statutory Physician Responsibilities When Making an Initial Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

The Board of Registration in Medicine offers this guidance to assist physicians in fulfilling their obligations under GL c112, § 12G½
11/18/2021
  • Board of Registration in Medicine

WakefieldOn August 9, 2018, Governor Baker signed into law An Act relative to Alzheimer’s and related dementias in the Commonwealth (St.2018, c.220).  This Act created an advisory council on Alzheimer's disease research and treatment, and set new responsibilities for physicians, including new requirements for completion of a course of training and education on the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with cognitive impairments, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

In particular, the Act created G.L. c. 112, § 12G½, which provides, in relevant part:

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.

To assist physicians in fulfilling their obligations under GL c112, § 12G½, the Board of Registration in Medicine offers guidance in Policy 21-05.

  • Board of Registration in Medicine 

    The Board of Registration in Medicine is responsible for licensing, regulation, and discipline of Massachusetts physicians and acupuncturists.
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