54.1-2963.1 - Disclosure of medical treatment options. - Virginia Statutes

§ 54.1-2963.1. Disclosure of medical treatment options.

Any physician shall have the authority to disclose fully all medicaltreatment options to patients whether or not such treatment options are (i)experimental or covered services, (ii) services that the health insurer willnot authorize, or (iii) the costs of the treatment will be borne by thehealth insurer or the patient to facilitate an informed decision by thepatient, if the physician determines that such an option is in the bestinterest of the patient. Any physician who discloses information concerningother medical treatment options to a person with whom he has established aphysician-patient relationship shall not be liable to any health insurer, inan action instituted solely on behalf of the health insurer, for any civildamages resulting from the disclosure of such information. This section shallnot affect any cause of action a patient may have against a physician.

For the purposes of this section, "medical treatment options" means anyalternative or experimental therapeutic, psychiatric, medical treatment orprocedure, health care service, drug, or remedy.

(2004, c. 675.)