17B:26-2.2 - Second surgical opinions;  definitions

17B:26-2.2.  Second surgical opinions;  definitions
    As used in this act:

    a.   "Elective surgical procedure"  means any nonemergency surgical procedure which may be scheduled at the convenience of the patient or the surgeon without jeopardizing the patient's life or causing serious impairment to the patient's bodily functions.

    b.   "Second surgical opinion"  means an opinion of an eligible physician based on that physician's examination of a person for the purpose of evaluating  the medical advisability of that person undergoing an elective surgical  procedure.  The examinations must be performed after another physician licensed  to practice medicine and surgery has proposed to perform such surgical  procedure on the person but prior to the performance of such surgical  procedure.

    c.   "Eligible physician"  means a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery who holds the rank of Diplomate of an American Board (M.D.) or Certified Specialist (D.O.) in the surgical or medical specialty for which surgery is proposed.

     L.1979, c. 328, s. 1.