District Of Columbia § 7-1203.03 - Disclosures on an emergency basis.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 7-1203.03 — Disclosures on an emergency basis., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7-1203.03. Disclosures on an emergency basis.
7-1203.03To the extent the disclosure of mental health information is not otherwise authorized by this chapter, mental health information may be disclosed, on an emergency basis, to one or more of the following if the mental health professional reasonably believes that such disclosure is necessary to initiate or seek emergency hospitalization of the client under or to otherwise protect the client or another individual from a substantial risk of imminent and serious physical injury:
The client’s spouse, parent, or legal guardian;
A duly accredited officer or agent of the District of Columbia in charge of public health;
The Department of Mental Health;
A provider as that term is defined in ;
The District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency;
The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency;
A court exercising jurisdiction over the client as a result of a pending criminal proceeding;
Emergency medical personnel;
An officer authorized to make arrests in the District of Columbia; or
An intended victim.
Any disclosure of mental health information under this section shall be limited to the minimum necessary to initiate or seek emergency hospitalization of the client under or to otherwise protect the client or another individual from a substantial risk of imminent and serious physical injury.
Mental health information disclosed to the Metropolitan Police Department pursuant to this section shall be maintained separately and shall not be made a part of any permanent police record. Such mental health information shall not be further disclosed except as a court-related disclosure pursuant to . If no judicial action relating to the disclosure under this section is pending at the expiration of the statute of limitations governing the nature of the judicial action, the mental health information shall be destroyed. If a judicial action relating to the disclosure under this section is pending at the expiration of the statute of limitations, the mental health information shall be destroyed at the termination of the judicial action.
Mental health information contained in a certification of incapacity, pursuant to , may be disclosed to initiate a proceeding pursuant to .
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 7-1203.03
What does D.C. Code § 7-1203.03 cover?
Section 7-1203.03 ("Disclosures on an emergency basis.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 7-1203.03?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 7-1203.03" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 7-1203.03 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.