(a) Any physician or other individual health care provider who cannot in good conscience comply with the provisions of such a living will, on being informed of the declaration, shall so inform the declarant, or if the declarant is not competent, the declarant’s next of kin or a legal guardian, and at their option make every reasonable effort to assist in the transfer of the patient to another physician who will comply with the declaration. Any health care provider who fails to make good faith reasonable efforts to comply with the preceding procedure as prescribed by the attending physician shall be civilly liable and subject to professional disciplinary action, including revocation or suspension of license. The health care provider shall not be subject to civil liability for medical care provided during the interim period until transfer is effectuated.
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 32-11-108

  • Declarant: means an individual who declares a living will under this chapter. See Tennessee Code 32-11-103
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Living will: means a written declaration, pursuant to this chapter, stating declarant's desires for medical care or noncare, including palliative care, and other related matters such as organ donation and body disposal. See Tennessee Code 32-11-103
  • Medical care: includes any procedure or treatment rendered by a physician or health care provider designed to diagnose, assess or treat a disease, illness or injury. See Tennessee Code 32-11-103
  • Physician: means any person licensed or permitted to practice medical care under title 63, chapters 6 and 9. See Tennessee Code 32-11-103
(b) A physician or other health care provider who, by no fault of such physician as health care provider, has not received notice of a declaration, revocation, or other change shall not suffer civil, administrative, or criminal penalties under this chapter.
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