For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) "Emergency contraception" means a drug or drug regimen approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy when administered after sexual contact, including oral contraceptive pills.
(2) "Hospital" means a facility that provides 24-hour inpatient care, including diagnostic, therapeutic, and other health-related services, for a variety of physical or mental conditions, and may, in addition, provide outpatient services, particularly emergency care.
(Mar. 25, 2009, D.C. Law 17-346, § 2, 56 DCR 966.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
Law 17-346, the "Emergency Care for Sexual Assault Act of 2008", was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 17-323 which was referred to the Committee on Health. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on December 2, 2008, and December 16, 2008, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on January 12, 2009, it was assigned Act No. 17-664 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 17-346 became effective on March 25, 2009.
(a) The Department of Health, in collaboration with the Board of Medicine and the Board of Pharmacy, shall develop medically and factually accurate written information regarding prophylactic antibiotics for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and emergency contraception for the prevention of pregnancy due to sexual assault.
(b) The Department of Health shall disseminate the written information produced pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to all hospitals in the District.
(Mar. 25, 2009, D.C. Law 17-346, § 3, 56 DCR 966.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 17-346, see notes following § 7-2121.
All hospitals that provide emergency care to victims of sexual assault shall:
(1) Provide each victim of sexual assault written information developed pursuant to § 7-2122;
(2) Provide each victim of sexual assault an oral explanation of the written information distributed pursuant to paragraph (1) of this section;
(3) Orally inform each victim of sexual assault in a language he or she understands of the option to be provided by the hospital prophylactic antibiotics for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and emergency contraception for the prevention of pregnancy; and
(4) Consistent with accepted medical practice and protocols, immediately provide prophylactic antibiotics for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and emergency contraception for the prevention of pregnancy to each victim of sexual assault, if the victim requests it and if the requested treatment is not medically contraindicated.
(Mar. 25, 2009, D.C. Law 17-346, § 4, 56 DCR 966.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 17-346, see notes following § 7-2121.
Hospitals shall have written policies and procedures to ensure that all personnel who provide care or information to a victim of sexual assault:
(1) Are trained to provide medically and factually accurate and objective information about prophylactic antibiotics for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and emergency contraception for the prevention of pregnancy to a victim of sexual assault;
(2) Actually provide that information to a victim of sexual assault; and
(3) Ensure immediate access to prophylactic antibiotics for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and emergency contraception for the prevention of pregnancy to each victim of sexual assault, if requested and such treatment is not medically contraindicated.
(Mar. 25, 2009, D.C. Law 17-346, § 5, 56 DCR 966.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 17-346, see notes following § 7-2121.
The Department of Health shall determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter. The failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter may result in a civil fine to be determined by the Mayor.
(Mar. 25, 2009, D.C. Law 17-346, § 6, 56 DCR 966.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 17-346, see notes following § 7-2121.
