Yes, of course. He should at least have informed those closest to him, those who would have to act if something went terribly wrong. What if he died on the operating table or dropped into a coma in the ICU? He is required by law to inform both houses of Congress of any change in the chain of command. There is already talk of impeachment, this incident being the final straw.
“Yes, of course. He should at least have informed those closest to him ...”
Given the obvious-ness of that, maybe the plot is thicker than we know.