§ 21-2203. Presumption of capacity.

Current through October 23, 2012

An individual shall be presumed capable of making health-care decisions unless certified otherwise under § 21-2204. Mental incapacity to make a health-care decision shall not be inferred from the fact that an individual:

(1) Has been voluntarily or involuntarily hospitalized for mental illness pursuant to § 21-501 et seq.;

(2) Has a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or has been determined by a court to be incompetent to refuse commitment under § 7-1301.01 et seq.; or

(3) Has a conservator or guardian appointed pursuant to § 21-1501 et seq. or § 21-2001 et seq.

                
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(Mar. 16, 1989, D.C. Law 7-189, § 4, 35 DCR 8653; Feb. 5, 1994, D.C. Law 10-68, § 23(d), 40 DCR 6311; Apr. 24, 2007, D.C. Law 16-305, § 35(d), 53 DCR 6198; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-169, § 21(i), 59 DCR 5567.)

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Codifications

1981 Ed., § 21-2203.

Effect of Amendments

D.C. Law 16-305, in par. (2), substituted "Has a diagnosis of mental retardation" for "Is mentally retarded".

D.C. Law 19-169, in par. (2), substituted "an intellectual disability" for "mental retardation".

Legislative History of Laws

For legislative history of D.C. Law 7-189, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 21-2201.

For legislative history of D.C. Law 10-68, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 21-2201.

For Law 16-305, see notes following § 21-501.

For history of Law 19-169, see notes under § 21-501.