dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5 (Regulation of Medical Care Facilities and Services)
§ 32.1-162.7. Definitions.
As used in this article:

"Health care professional" means any professional who is licensed, certified or registered to practice by a board within the Department of Health Professions under Title 54.1 or is licensed, certified or registered by a nationally recognized professional organization specified in Board regulations.

"Home care organization" means a public or private organization, whether operated for profit or not for profit, that provides, at the residence of a patient or individual in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one or more of the following services:

1. Home health services, including services provided by or under the direct supervision of any health care professional under a medical plan of care in a patient's residence on a visit or hourly basis to patients who have or are at risk of injury, illness, or a disabling condition and require short-term or long-term interventions;

2. Personal care services, including assistance in personal care to include activities of daily living provided in an individual's residence on a visit or hourly basis to individuals who have or are at risk of an illness, injury or disabling condition; or

3. Pharmaceutical services, including services provided in a patient's residence, which include the dispensing and administration of a drug or drugs, and parenteral nutritional support, associated patient instruction, and such other services as identified by the Board of Health by regulation.

"Person" includes any partnership, corporation, association or other legal entity, public or private.

"Residence" means the place where the individual or patient makes his home such as his own apartment or house, a relative's home or an assisted living facility, but shall not include a hospital, nursing facility or nursing home or other extended care facility.

1986, c. 633; 1991, c. 695; 1993, cc. 957, 993.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5 (Regulation of Medical Care Facilities and Services)
§ 32.1-162.8. Exemptions from article.
The provisions of this article shall not be applicable to:

1. A natural person who provides services to a patient or individual on an individual basis if such person is (i) acting alone under a medical plan of care and is licensed to provide such services pursuant to Title 54.1 or (ii) retained by the individual or by another individual acting on the individual's behalf.

2. Any organization providing only housekeeping, chore or beautician services.

3. Any home care organization located in the Commonwealth that after initial licensure is:

a. Certified by the Department of Health under provisions of Title XVIII or Title XIX of the Social Security Act;

b. Accredited by any organization recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the purposes of Medicare certification; or

c. Licensed for hospice services under Article 7 (§ 32.1-162.1 et seq.) of this chapter.

1986, c. 633; 1991, c. 695; 1995, c. 455; 2001, c. 515; 2010, c. 790.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.1 (HUMAN RESEARCH)
§ 32.1-162.17. Exemptions.
The following categories of human research are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

1. Activities of the Virginia Department of Health conducted pursuant to § 32.1-39;

2. Research or student learning outcomes assessments conducted in educational settings involving regular or special education instructional strategies, the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods, or the use of educational tests, whether cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, or achievement, if the data from such tests are recorded in a manner so that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects;

3. Research involving survey or interview procedures unless responses are recorded in such a manner that the subjects can be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects, and either (i) the subject's responses, if they became known outside the research, could reasonably place the subject at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subject's financial standing or employability or (ii) the research deals with sensitive aspects of the subject's own behavior, such as sexual behavior, drug or alcohol use, or illegal conduct;

4. Research involving survey or interview procedures, when the respondents are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office;

5. Research involving solely the observation of public behavior, including observation by participants, unless observations are recorded in such a manner that the subjects can be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects, and either (i) the observations recorded about the individual, if they became known outside the research, could reasonably place the subject at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subject's financial standing or employability or (ii) the research deals with sensitive aspects of the subject's own behavior, such as sexual behavior, drug or alcohol use, or illegal conduct; and

6. Research involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded by the investigator in a manner so that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects.

1992, c. 603.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.1 (HUMAN RESEARCH)
§ 32.1-162.20. Applicability of federal policies.
Human research which is subject to policies and regulations for the protection of human subjects promulgated by any agency of the federal government shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

In lieu of promulgating regulations pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, an institution or agency may comply with this chapter by promulgating regulations under the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) governing human research projects which incorporate, explicitly or by reference, federal policies and regulations for the protection of human subjects. However, in the case of projects which are not required, by reason of their nature, the source of their funding, or the lack thereof, to comply with federal policies and regulations, the institution or agency may enforce compliance by filing a petition for an injunction in the appropriate circuit court. This section shall not preclude any other enforcement action available to the institution or agency.

1979, c. 38, § 37.1-237; 1992, c. 603.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.2 (HUMAN CLONING)
§ 32.1-162.21. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires another meaning:

"Cloning" means the production of a precise genetic copy of a molecule, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), or of chromosomes.

"Human cloning" means the creation of or attempt to create a human being by transferring the nucleus from a human cell from whatever source into an oocyte from which the nucleus has been removed.

"Nucleus" means the cell structure that houses the chromosomes and, thus, the genes.

"Oocyte" means the ovum or egg.

"Somatic cell" means a mature, diploid cell, i.e., a cell having a complete set of chromosomes.

"Somatic cell nuclear transfer" means transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell of an existing or deceased human into an oocyte from which the chromosomes are removed or rendered inert.

2001, cc. 868, 870.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.2 (HUMAN CLONING)
§ 32.1-162.22. Human cloning prohibited; civil penalty.
A. No person shall (i) perform human cloning or (ii) implant or attempt to implant the product of somatic cell nuclear transfer into a uterine environment so as to initiate a pregnancy or (iii) possess the product of human cloning or (iv) ship or receive the product of a somatic cell nuclear transfer in commerce for the purpose of implanting the product of somatic cell nuclear transfer into a uterine environment so as to initiate a pregnancy.

B. This section shall not be construed to restrict biomedical and agricultural research or practices unless expressly prohibited herein, including research or practices that involve the use of (i) somatic cell nuclear transfer or other cloning technologies to clone molecules, including DNA, cells, or tissues; (ii) gene therapy; or (iii) somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques to create animals other than humans.

C. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person violating the provisions of this section shall be liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for each incident.

2001, cc. 868, 870.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.23. Commonwealth Health Research Board established.
A. The Commonwealth Health Research Board (the Board) is established as an independent body. The purpose of the Board is to provide financial support from the Commonwealth Health Research Fund (the Fund), in the form of grants, donations, or other assistance, for research efforts that have the potential of maximizing human health benefits for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Research efforts eligible for support by the Board shall include traditional medical and biomedical research relating to health services, the delivery of health care, and the causes and cures of diseases.

B. The Board shall be composed of seven members, of whom three shall be appointed by the Governor and four shall be appointed by the Joint Rules Committee. All appointments to the Board are subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Appointments shall be for terms of five years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

No member shall serve more than two consecutive five-year terms; however, a member appointed to serve an unexpired term is eligible to serve two additional consecutive five-year terms immediately succeeding such unexpired term.

C. Members of the Board shall have substantial experience or expertise, personal or professional, in at least one of the following areas: medicine, medical or scientific research, public policy, government, business, or education. No member shall be an incumbent elected official, state official, state employee, or member of the governing board of a state agency or institution. Members of the Board need not be residents of the Commonwealth.

D. The Board shall elect annually a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. The chairman, or in his absence the vice-chairman, shall preside at all meetings of the Board.

E. A majority of the members of the Board serving at any one time shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

F. The Board shall meet annually or more frequently at the call of the chairman.

G. The members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for the reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825. Such expenses shall be paid from the Fund.

1997, cc. 803, 888, 891, § 23-278; 2000, cc. 675, 700; 2016, c. 588.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.24. Duties of the Board.
The Board shall:

1. Establish specific criteria and procedures governing its decisions to support research efforts consistent with its purposes, including (i) encouraging collaborative research efforts among two or more institutions or organizations, (ii) giving priority to those research efforts from which Board support can be leveraged to foster contributions from federal agencies or other entities, and (iii) supporting both new research efforts and the expansion or continuation of existing research efforts;

2. Establish requirements for the submission of research proposals, including (i) a clear statement of the problem or opportunity to be addressed; (ii) the specific objectives; (iii) a description of how the results will maximize human health benefits for the citizens of the Commonwealth; (iv) a budget for the research effort, including other anticipated sources of financial assistance; and (v) the timeframe for conducting the research;

3. Evaluate the proposals in accordance with the criteria established by the Board and the provisions of this chapter; and

4. Evaluate the implementation and results of all research efforts receiving support from the Board.

1997, cc. 803, 888, 891, § 23-279; 2016, c. 588.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.25. Powers of the Board.
In order to carry out its purposes, the Board may:

1. Make grants and disbursements from the Fund that support research efforts approved by the Board in accordance with the purposes of this chapter and pay expenditures from the Fund that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The Board is not obligated to make annual or other periodic disbursements or expenditures;

2. Contract for the services of consultants to review research proposals and assist in the evaluation of the research efforts funded by the Board;

3. Contract for other professional services to assist the Board in the performance of its duties and responsibilities;

4. Accept, hold, administer, and solicit gifts, grants, bequests, contributions, or other assistance from federal agencies, the Commonwealth, or any other public or private source to carry out the purposes of this chapter;

5. Enter into any agreement or contract relating to the acceptance or use of any grant, assistance, or support provided by or to the Board or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter;

6. Perform any lawful acts necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Board; and

7. Employ such staff as is necessary to perform the Board's duties. The Board may determine the duties of such staff and fix the salaries and compensation of such staff, which shall be paid from the Fund. Such staff are employees of the Department of Accounts and are entitled to all benefits available to state employees as provided by law.

1997, cc. 803, 888, 891, § 23-281; 2000, cc. 675, 700; 2002, cc. 591, 612; 2012, cc. 682, 683; 2016, c. 588.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.26. Conditions and restrictions on financial assistance.
A. The Board shall provide financial support only for research efforts that satisfy the following conditions:

1. The research shall be conducted by public institutions of higher education, agencies of the Commonwealth, or nonprofit organizations exempt from income taxation pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and located in the Commonwealth;

2. The institution, agency, or organization shall match a percentage of the Board's support in a cash amount required by the Board;

3. No support provided by the Board shall be used by the recipient to finance capital improvements or renovations, for indirect costs incurred by the institution, agency, or organization in its administration of the financial support, or for any other purpose proscribed by the Board; and

4. Recipients of support provided by the Board shall agree to provide the Board with such information regarding the implementation of the research effort and allow such monitoring and review of the research effort as may be required by the Board to ensure compliance with the terms under which the support is provided.

B. Any support provided by the Board shall be used by the recipient only for personal services, contractual services, material, supplies, and equipment directly relating to the approved research effort.

1997, cc. 803, 888, 891, § 23-280; 2016, c. 588.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.27. Cooperation with other agencies.
All agencies of the Commonwealth shall cooperate with the Board and, upon request, assist the Board in the performance of its duties and responsibilities.

1997, cc. 803, 888, 891, § 23-283; 2016, c. 588.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.28. Commonwealth Health Research Fund established; administration.
A. There is created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Commonwealth Health Research Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller.

B. The Fund shall consist of all stock and cash distributed to the Commonwealth as a policyholder pursuant to the conversion of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia, doing business as Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield, from a mutual insurance company to a Virginia stock corporation known as Trigon Healthcare, Inc., exclusive of cash paid by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia or its successor to the Commonwealth in connection with such conversion, which was assumed as general fund revenue in Chapter 912 of the Acts of Assembly of 1996. The Fund shall also consist of any moneys appropriated from the general fund, grants and donations received by the Board, and other moneys received by the State Treasurer and designated for deposit in the Fund. Interest and other income earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest and other income thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the moneys and other property constituting the Fund shall be invested, reinvested, and managed by the Board of the Virginia Retirement System as provided in § 51.1-124.36. The State Treasurer is not liable for losses suffered by the Virginia Retirement System on investments made under the authority of this section.

D. Moneys in the Fund shall be expended solely for the purpose of supporting research efforts approved by the Board and any other purpose permitted by this chapter.

E. An amount not to exceed six percent of the moving average of the market value of the Fund calculated over the previous five years or since inception, whichever is shorter, on a one-year delayed basis, net of any administrative fee assessed pursuant to subsection E of § 51.1-124.36, may be expended in a calendar year for any purpose permitted by this chapter. The Board is not required to expend such amount in a calendar year, and any amount up to such six percent that is not expended in a calendar year may be expended in any other calendar year.

F. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the chairman of the Board.

1997, cc. 803, 888, 891, § 23-284; 2000, cc. 675, 700; 2002, cc. 591, 612; 2013, c. 687; 2016, c. 588.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.29. Form and audit of accounts and records.
A. The accounts and records of the Board showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived shall be in such form as the Auditor of Public Accounts prescribes.

B. The accounts and records of the Board are subject to an annual audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts or his legal representative.

1997, cc. 803, 888, 891, § 23-285; 2016, c. 588.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.30. Annual report.
The Board shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Board no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website. The executive summary shall include information regarding research efforts supported by the Board and expenditures from the Fund.

1997, cc. 803, 888, 891, § 23-286; 2016, c. 588.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.31. Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund.
A. From such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources, there is created in the state treasury a special, nonreverting, revolving, and permanent fund to be known as the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund. The Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller and shall be administered and implemented by the Board in accordance with the provisions of this section. Interest earned on moneys in the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund shall remain in the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund. Expenditures and disbursements from the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund, which may consist of grants, donations, or other assistance, shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the chairman or vice-chairman of the Board.

B. Moneys in the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund shall be used solely to support medical and biomedical stem cell research conducted in institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth that relates to the causes and cures of disease, including paralysis caused by spinal cord injury, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) and multiple sclerosis.

C. The grants, donations, or other assistance provided pursuant to this section shall be awarded in accordance with the Board's specific criteria and procedures, requirements for submission of research proposals, and evaluation mechanisms established pursuant to this chapter. However, no requirement for matching funds shall apply to the grants, donations, or other assistance awarded pursuant to the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund, and the leveraging of funds is incidental to the support provided under this section. The grants, donations, or other assistance provided pursuant to this section may be awarded to support stem cell research that is not eligible for federal research funds through the National Institutes of Health. No moneys from the Christopher Reeve Stem Cell Research Fund may be provided to any entity that conducts human stem cell research from stem cells obtained from human embryos or for conducting such research; however, research conducted using stem cells other than embryonic stem cells may be funded.

2005, c. 696, § 23-286.1; 2016, c. 588.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.3 (COMMONWEALTH HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD AND FUND; CHRISTOPHER REEVE STEM CELL RESEARCH FUND)
§ 32.1-162.31:1. Florence Neal Cooper Smith Sickle Cell Research Endowment Fund.
A. From such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources, there is created in the state treasury a special, nonreverting, revolving, and permanent fund to be known as the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Sickle Cell Research Endowment Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller and shall be administered and implemented by the Board in accordance with the provisions of this section. All funds appropriated for the Fund and any grants, donations, or other assistance provided shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of making grant payments pursuant to this section. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the chairman or vice-chairman of the Board.

B. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely to support medical and biomedical sickle cell disease research conducted in institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth that relates to the causes and cures of sickle cell disease.

C. Any appropriations, grants, donations, or other assistance provided pursuant to this section shall be awarded in accordance with the Board's specific criteria and procedures, requirements for submission of research proposals, and evaluation mechanisms established pursuant to this chapter. However, no requirement for matching funds shall apply to the appropriations, grants, donations, or other assistance awarded to the Fund, and the leveraging of funds is incidental to the support provided under this section. The appropriations, grants, donations, or other assistance provided pursuant to this section may, upon demonstrating a reasonable justification to the Board's satisfaction, be awarded to support sickle cell disease research that is not eligible for federal research funds through the National Institutes of Health. No moneys from the Fund may be provided to any entity that conducts human sickle cell disease research from stem cells obtained from human embryos or for conducting such research; however, research conducted using stem cells other than embryonic stem cells may be funded.

2025, c. 415.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 5.4 (Animal Research)
§ 32.1-162.32. Definitions.
A. For purposes of this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Animal subject" means a dog or a cat.

"Medically unnecessary" means not carried out solely for the better health, welfare, or safety of the animal subject.

B. No funds appropriated, granted, or awarded by the Commonwealth shall be used by any person or entity, public or private, to directly fund medically unnecessary research classified under pain and distress category E by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on animal subjects. For purposes of this section, the direct funding of research shall not include the appropriation, grant, or award of funds for the construction or maintenance of facilities; the purchase or maintenance of general-use equipment; overhead costs; capital improvements; or faculty or employee salaries.

2018, c. 771.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-163.1. Personal liability of sanitarians defined.
A sanitarian while acting within the scope of his employment in approving or denying applications for permits for onsite sewage disposal systems or while performing checks of or reviewing and approving field evaluations completed by licensed onsite soil evaluators shall be subject to personal liability only for his gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

1986, c. 331; 1994, c. 747; 2016, c. 90.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-163.2. Long range plan for onsite sewage.
In addition to the powers and duties provided in § 32.1-164, the Board of Health shall develop and revise as may be necessary a five-year plan for the handling and disposal of onsite sewage. Such plan shall include (i) the number of applications for onsite sewage permits per year; (ii) the number of households or facilities utilizing onsite sewage systems per year; (iii) the volume of onsite sewage to be disposed per year; (iv) the available and needed capacity in the Commonwealth for environmentally sound methods of disposal of septage in sewage treatment plants, other approved facilities and by land application per year; (v) descriptions of technology for alternative systems including the types of soils and conditions recommended as appropriate for such alternative systems; and (vi) recommendations for changes in the laws or regulations pertaining to onsite sewage and the system of permitting onsite sewage systems. The Board shall also report every five years to the governor and the General Assembly, beginning in 1992, on the status of onsite sewage handling and disposal in Virginia and the progress in implementing its long range plan.

1987, c. 223.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-163.3. Identities of persons making certain reports to remain confidential.
The identity of any person making a report of an alleged violation of any provision of this article or any regulation of the Board of Health relating to sewage disposal shall be confidential. However, the identity of such person may be disclosed (i) to the Commissioner, the members of the Board and personnel of the Department in the performance of their duties; (ii) when the identity is included in materials which are the subject of a request for information pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Chapter 37 (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) of Title 2.2; (iii) when the matter reported is the subject of a hearing conducted by the State Health Department Sewage Handling and Disposal Appeal Review Board; or (iv) when the matter reported is the subject of litigation.

1990, c. 468.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-163.4. Procedures for application backlogs; individuals approved to conduct evaluations for septic system or other onsite sewage system permit applications.
A. In any case where the local or district health department experiences a septic system or other onsite sewage system permit backlog of 15 working days from the application filing date, the Commissioner shall contract with licensed onsite soil evaluators for the field evaluation of the backlogged application sites. The Department shall review these evaluations and may approve the permit applications upon finding that the evaluations are in compliance with the Board's regulations implementing this chapter. The Department shall not be required to do a field check of the evaluation prior to issuing the permit; however, the Department may conduct such field analyses as deemed necessary to protect the integrity of the Commonwealth's environment.

B. The Board, Commissioner, and Department of Health shall accept private evaluations for septic system or other onsite sewage system permit applications only from licensed onsite soil evaluators.

C. The Board's regulations shall include a definition of backlog providing a set number or a percent of the received applications.

1994, c. 747; 2016, c. 90.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-163.5. Onsite sewage evaluations.
A. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, for purposes of subdivision review, permit approval, and issuance of letters for residential development, the Board, Commissioner, and Department of Health shall accept private site evaluations and designs, in compliance with the Board's regulations for septic systems and other onsite sewage systems, designed and certified by a licensed professional engineer, in consultation with a licensed onsite soil evaluator, or by a licensed onsite soil evaluator. The evaluations and designs included within such submissions shall be certified as complying with the Board's regulations implementing this chapter.

B. The Department shall not be required to perform a field check of private evaluations and designs prior to issuing the requested letter, permit or approval; however, the Department may conduct such review of the work and field analysis as deemed necessary to protect the public health and integrity of the Commonwealth's environment. Within 15 working days from the date of written submission of a request for approval of a site evaluation and design for a single lot construction permit, and within 60 days from the date of written submission of a request for approval of a site evaluation and design for multiple lot certification letters or subdivision review, the Department shall (i) issue the requested letter, permit or approval or (ii) set forth in writing the specific reasons for denial. If the Department fails to take action to approve or disapprove the designs, evaluations, or subdivision reviews within the time specified herein, the designs, evaluations or subdivision reviews shall be deemed approved and the appropriate letter, permit or approval shall be issued. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or the provisions of any local ordinance, counties, cities and towns shall comply with the time limits set forth in this subsection.

C. Nothing in this section shall authorize anyone other than an individual licensed as a professional engineer pursuant to Chapter 4 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 to engage in the practice of engineering.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any locality that has entered into a contract with the Board of Health in accordance with Chapter 678 of the 1994 Acts of Assembly nor to a proprietary, pre-engineered septic system deemed by the Department to comply with the Board's regulations.

1999, c. 1038; 2001, c. 337; 2016, c. 90.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-164.1:3. Permits for voluntary system upgrades.
Any owner desiring to voluntarily upgrade an onsite or alternative discharging sewage system that is not failing shall file an application, according to instructions from the Board, to obtain a construction permit to improve the system in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Board for repairing failing systems, provided such upgrade is for the purposes of reducing threats to the public health, or to ground and surface waters, including the reduction of nitrogen discharges.

The Department shall attach a statement to any permit issued pursuant to this section clearly stating that the upgrades specified in the permit are voluntary and not required by law. The Department may require the owner to indemnify and hold harmless the Department prior to the issuance of any such permit. Any permits issued pursuant to this section shall be subject to the provisions of § 32.1-164.1:1.

2011, c. 394.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-164.2. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2007, cc. 881 and 929, cl. 8, effective January 1, 2008.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-164.8. Onsite Operation and Maintenance Fund established.
There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Onsite Operation and Maintenance Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All fees collected pursuant to subsection H of § 32.1-164 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of supporting the operation and maintenance of onsite systems, including but not limited to (i) training operators and (ii) supporting the reporting system required by subsection H of § 32.1-164. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by Commissioner.

2007, c. 892.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-164.9. Regulations for chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution systems for onsite sewage systems.
The Board of Health shall promulgate regulations for chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution systems for onsite sewage systems permitted by the Commissioner pursuant to Article 1 (§ 32.1-164 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 32.1. Such regulations shall include requirements for chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution systems for onsite sewage systems, which shall include (i) specifications for the physical construction of chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution systems including minimum exterior width, height, effluent storage capacity, and structural capacity; (ii) requirements for a permeable interface between chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution systems and trench sidewall soil surfaces for the absorption of wastewater; (iii) criteria for the allowable slope, maximum length, minimum sidewall depth, and minimum lateral separation of chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution system absorption trenches; (iv) criteria for substituting chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution systems for gravity percolation trenches and gravel and crushed stone low pressure systems; (v) criteria for determining the minimum area requirements for chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution system absorption trenches; and (vi) such other requirements pertaining to the promulgation of chamber and bundled expanded polystyrene effluent distribution system regulations for onsite sewage systems as may be deemed necessary by the Board.

2013, c. 202.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-165. Prior approval required before issuance of building permit; approved sewage system or nonconforming system.
A. No county, city, town, or employee thereof shall issue a permit for a building designed for human occupancy without the prior written authorization of the Commissioner or his agent. The Commissioner or his agent shall authorize the issuance of such permit upon finding that safe, adequate, and proper sewage treatment is or will be made available to such building, or upon finding that the issuance of such permit has been approved by the Review Board. "Safe, adequate, and proper" means a treatment works that complies with applicable regulations of the Board of Health that are in effect at the time of application.

B. The Commissioner shall develop an application and procedure for evaluating an installed treatment works and to determine whether to authorize issuance of a permit for a building designed for human occupancy.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Commissioner or his agent from approving the use of a nonconforming treatment works, provided the treatment works was installed in accordance with the Board of Health's applicable regulations in effect at the time of its installation, is not failing, and is designed and constructed for the sewage flow and strength expected from the building.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent an owner of real property from receiving a voluntary upgrade pursuant to § 32.1-164.1:3, or other permit, as a condition of approval as a nonconforming treatment works.

E. The Board, Commissioner, and Department may accept a certified evaluation from (i) a professional engineer licensed pursuant to Chapter 4 of Title 54.1; (ii) an onsite soil evaluator, onsite sewage system operator, or onsite sewage system installer licensed pursuant to Chapter 23 of Title 54.1; (iii) or other individual with an appropriate certification from the National Sanitation Foundation, or equivalent. The Department may perform an inspection of the certified evaluation but shall not be required to perform a field check prior to the issuance of the written authorization in subsection A.

Code 1950, § 32-9; 1954, c. 646; 1964, c. 436; 1970, c. 645; 1972, c. 775; 1979, c. 711; 1984, c. 457; 2016, c. 96.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166. Agreements with federal agencies.
The Board may enter into an agreement with any appropriate federal agency to regulate and monitor the collection, transportation, conveyance, treatment and disposal of sewage from common carriers or at federal facilities pursuant to the Public Health Service Act, United States Public Law 78-410, and any other applicable federal law.

Code 1950, § 32-9; 1954, c. 646; 1964, c. 436; 1970, c. 645; 1972, c. 775; 1979, c. 711.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.1. Review Board; members.
There is hereby established, in the Department of Health, the State Health Department Sewage Handling and Disposal Appeal Review Board, consisting of seven members, appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The members shall include one member who is a soil scientist; one member who is a professional engineer in private practice; one member who is a residential builder; one member who is an academic professional engaged in research and teaching in a soils-related discipline; one member who has had experience in the field of enforcement of onsite sewage disposal regulations; one member who is engaged in private soils analysis work related to the installation of onsite sewage systems; and one member from the public at large who may have experience in the installation of onsite sewage systems. The members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

1984, c. 457; 1987, c. 47.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.10. Appeals fees.
The Department shall establish a reasonable fee to be charged to the appealing party commensurate with the time and expenses related to the handling of each appeal.

1984, c. 457; 1994, c. 747.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.2. Officers; secretary.
The Review Board, under rules adopted by itself, shall elect one of its members as chairman, for a term of two years, and may elect one of its members as vice-chairman. The Review Board may also elect a secretary, who may be a nonmember.

1984, c. 457.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.3. Oath.
Before entering upon the discharge of their duties, all members of the Review Board shall take an oath that they will faithfully and honestly execute the duties of their office during their continuance therein.

1984, c. 457.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.4. Meetings.
The Review Board shall meet eight times per year to hear appeals of denials of applications for onsite sewage disposal systems.

Any appeal shall be filed thirty days prior to a meeting in order to be placed on the docket. The Review Board shall provide its decision in writing within fifteen days of the date of the hearing to the person making the appeal, his representative and the Department of Health.

1984, c. 457; 1986, c. 331.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.5. Offices.
The Review Board shall be furnished adequate space and quarters in the suite of offices of the Department, where the Board's main office shall be located.

1984, c. 457.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.6. Review Board to hear appeals.
The Review Board shall hear all administrative appeals of denials of onsite sewage disposal system permits and appeals of refusals of indemnification requests filed pursuant to § 32.1-164.1:01, and refusals of betterment loan eligibility letters pursuant to § 32.1-164.1:2, and render its decision on any such appeal, which decision shall be the final administrative decision. Proceedings of the Review Board and appeals of its decisions shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 40 (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) of Title 2.2.

In addition to the authority to render a final administrative decision, the Review Board, in its discretion, may develop recommendations for alternative solutions to the conditions resulting in denial of the permit or refusal to indemnify and remand the case to the Department of Health for reconsideration.

For purposes of this section "betterment loan" is as defined in § 32.1-163.

1984, c. 457; 1986, c. 331; 1994, c. 747; 2009, c. 829.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.7. Subpoenas; witnesses; designation of subordinates.
In any matter before it on appeal for hearing and determination, the Review Board or its designated subordinates may compel the attendance of all needed witnesses in like manner as a circuit court, save the Review Board shall not have the power of imprisonment. In taking evidence, the chairman or any member of the Review Board, or its designated subordinates, shall have the power to administer oaths to witnesses. Where a designated subordinate of the Review Board presides over hearings on appeals, such subordinate shall submit recommended findings and a decision to the Review Board pursuant to § 2.2-4020.

1984, c. 457.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.8. Record of decisions.
A record of all decisions of the Review Board, properly indexed, shall be kept in the office of such Review Board. The records shall be open to public inspection at all times during business hours.

1984, c. 457.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 6 (Environmental Health Services)
§ 32.1-166.9. Interpretation of application of regulations; recommendation of modifications.
The Review Board shall interpret the application of the provisions of the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations in its review of appeals and shall make such recommendations, as it deems appropriate, to the Board for modification, amendment or repeal of any such provisions of the regulations. A record of all such recommendations, and of the Board's actions thereon, shall be kept in the office of the Review Board. Such record shall be open to public inspection at all times during business hours.

1984, c. 457.