§4123 Authority of Attending Physician in Response to Medical Contingencies or Public Health Emergencies at Capitol

Summary

The Attending Physician to Congress can lead and run medical responses inside the Capitol buildings and on the Capitol grounds during bioterror attacks or other public health or medical emergencies. The Physician can order quarantines and officially declare deaths. They must work closely with the District of Columbia’s Commissioner of Public Health, Chief Medical Examiner, and other DC public health officials. Capitol Buildings — defined in 40 U.S.C. 5101. United States Capitol Grounds — defined in 40 U.S.C. 5102(a). These powers began on January 23, 2004, and apply in any fiscal year on or after that date.