dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-69. Records confidential; disclosure of results of screening.
The results of any particular screening program shall be sent to the physician of the person tested, if known, and either to the parents when the person screened is under the age of eighteen or to the person if he is eighteen years of age or over. The results of a screening program may be used for research and collective statistical purposes. Except as hereinabove provided, all records maintained as part of any screening program shall be strictly confidential and shall be accessible only to the Board, the Commissioner or his agents or to the local health director who is conducting the screening program except by explicit permission of the person who has been screened if such person is eighteen years of age or over or of such person's parent or guardian if he is under age eighteen.

Code 1950, § 32-112.23; 1973, c. 212; 1979, c. 711.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-69.1:1. Dissemination of information regarding birth defects.
The Commissioner shall develop a publication concerning the role of folic acid in the prevention of birth defects for distribution to physicians, hospitals and other medical facilities, and local health departments for use with patients. The publication shall be distributed by the Virginia Department of Health to the offices of the clerks of the circuit courts and made available to applicants for marriage licenses.

1999, c. 582; 2012, c. 802.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-69.2. Confidentiality of records; publication; authority of Commissioner to contact parents and physicians.
The Commissioner and all other persons to whom data is submitted pursuant to § 32.1-69.1 shall keep such information confidential. For the purpose of only complying with the provisions of § 32.1-69.1, hospitals required to report stillbirths, as defined in § 32.1-69.1, and birth defects to the Virginia Congenital Anomalies Reporting and Education System and provide patient follow-up may view personally identifiable information in the system as approved by the Commissioner and upon receipt by the Commissioner of sworn affirmation from each such person that the confidentiality of the information will be preserved. No publication of information shall be made except in the form of statistical or other studies which do not identify individuals. However, the Commissioner may contact the parents of children identified as having birth defects and their physicians to collect relevant data and to provide them with information about available public and private health care resources.

1985, c. 273; 2006, cc. 699, 906; 2015, c. 661.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-69.4. Publication of information regarding cord blood education.
In addition to the requirements of § 32.1-69.3, the Commissioner shall make publicly available, by posting on the public website of the Department of Health, resources relating to umbilical cord blood that have been developed by the Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation and include the following information:

1. An explanation of the potential value and uses of umbilical cord blood, including cord blood cells and stem cells, for individuals who are, as well as individuals who are not, biologically related to a mother or her newborn child.

2. An explanation of the differences between using one's own cord blood cells and using related or unrelated cord blood stem cells in the treatment of disease.

3. An explanation of the differences between public and private umbilical cord blood banking.

4. The options available to a mother relating to stem cells that are contained in the umbilical cord blood after the delivery of her newborn, including (i) donating the stem cells to a public umbilical cord blood bank where facilities are available; (ii) storing the stem cells in a private family umbilical cord blood bank for use by immediate and extended family members; (iii) storing the stem cells for immediate or extended family members through a family or sibling donor banking program that provides free collection, processing, and storage where there is an existing medical need; and (iv) discarding the stem cells.

5. The medical processes involved in the collection of cord blood.

6. Medical or family history criteria that can impact a family's consideration of umbilical cord blood banking, including the likelihood of using a baby's cord blood to serve as a match for a family member who has a medical condition.

7. Options for ownership and future use of donated umbilical cord blood.

8. The average cost of public and private umbilical cord blood banking.

9. The availability of public and private cord blood banks to Virginians, including (i) a list of public cord blood banks and the hospitals served by such banks; (ii) a list of private cord blood banks that are available; and (iii) the availability of free family banking and sibling donor programs where there is an existing medical need by a family member.

10. An explanation of which racial and ethnic groups are in particular need of publicly donated cord blood samples based upon medical data developed by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

2010, c. 69.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-70. Information from hospitals, clinics, certain laboratories and physicians supplied to Commissioner; statewide cancer registry.
A. Each hospital, clinic and independent pathology laboratory shall make available to the Commissioner or his agents information on patients having malignant tumors or cancers. A physician shall report information on patients having cancers unless he has determined that a hospital, clinic or in-state pathology laboratory has reported the information. This reporting requirement shall not apply to basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Such information shall include the name, address, sex, race, diagnosis and any other pertinent identifying information regarding each such patient and shall include information regarding possible exposure to Agent Orange or other defoliants through their development, testing or use or through service in the Vietnam War. Each hospital, clinic, independent pathology laboratory, or physician shall provide other available clinical information as defined by the Board of Health.

B. From such information the Commissioner shall establish and maintain a statewide cancer registry. The purpose of the statewide cancer registry shall include but not be limited to:

1. Determining means of improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

2. Determining the need for and means of providing better long-term, follow-up care of cancer patients.

3. Conducting epidemiological analyses of the incidence, prevalence, survival, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of cancer in Virginia.

4. Collecting data to evaluate the possible carcinogenic effects of environmental hazards including exposure to dioxin and the defoliant, Agent Orange.

5. Collecting data to evaluate potential links between exposure to fire incidents and cancer incidence.

6. Improving rehabilitative programs for cancer patients.

7. Assisting in the training of hospital personnel.

8. Determining other needs of cancer patients and health personnel.

Code 1950, § 32-388; 1950, p. 187; 1978, c. 792; 1979, c. 711; 1988, cc. 447, 459, 843; 1998, c. 315; 2018, c. 459.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-70.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 315.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-70.2. Collection of cancer case information by the Commissioner.
A. Using such funds as may be appropriated therefor, the Commissioner or his designee may perform on-site data collection of the records of patients having malignant tumors or cancers at those consenting hospitals, clinics, independent pathology laboratories and physician offices required to report information of such patients pursuant to the reporting requirements of § 32.1-70, in order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the statewide cancer registry.

B. The selection criteria for determining which consenting hospitals, clinics, independent pathology laboratories and physician offices may be subject to on-site data collection under the provisions of this section shall include, but shall not be limited to: (i) expected annual number of cancer case reports, (ii) historical completeness and accuracy of reporting rates, and (iii) whether the facility maintains its own cancer registry.

C. The Board of Health shall promulgate regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

2000, cc. 74, 139.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-71. Confidential nature of information supplied; publication; reciprocal data-sharing agreements.
A. The Commissioner and all persons to whom information is submitted in accordance with § 32.1-70 shall keep such information confidential. Except as authorized by the Commissioner in accordance with the provisions of § 32.1-41, no release of any such information shall be made except in the form of statistical or other studies which do not identify individual cases.

B. The Commissioner may enter into reciprocal data-sharing agreements with other cancer registries for the exchange of information. Upon the provision of satisfactory assurances for the preservation of the confidentiality of such information, patient-identifying information may be exchanged with other cancer registries which have entered into reciprocal data-sharing agreements with the Commissioner.

Code 1950, § 32-389; 1950, p. 187; 1979, c. 711; 1991, c. 319; 2000, cc. 74, 139.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-71.01. Penalties for unauthorized use of statewide cancer registry.
In addition to the remedies provided in § 32.1-27, any person who uses, discloses or releases data maintained in the statewide cancer registry in violation of § 32.1-71 shall be subject, in the discretion of the court, to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each violation, which shall be paid to the general fund.

2000, cc. 74, 139.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-71.02. Notification of cancer patients of statewide cancer registry reporting.
A. Any physician diagnosing a malignant tumor or cancer shall, at such time and in such manner as considered appropriate by such physician, notify each patient whose name and record abstract is required to be reported to the statewide cancer registry pursuant to § 32.1-70 that personal identifying information about him has been included in the registry as required by law. Any physician required to so notify a patient that personal identifying information about him has been included in the cancer registry may, when, in the opinion of the physician, such notice would be injurious to the patient's health or well-being, provide the required notice to the patient's authorized representative or next of kin in lieu of notifying the patient.

B. Upon request to the statewide cancer registry, the patient whose personal identifying information has been submitted to such registry shall have a right to know the identity of the reporter of his information to such registry.

2000, c. 918; 2003, cc. 540, 548.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-71.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1994, c. 109.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-71.5. Research and Clinical Trial Cancer Consortium Initiative; purpose.
A. As used in this article, "Initiative" means the Research and Clinical Trial Cancer Consortium Initiative established pursuant to this article.

B. The Research and Clinical Trial Cancer Consortium Initiative is hereby established as an independent nonprofit entity in the Commonwealth for the purpose of coordinating, maximizing the efficiency of, and facilitating cancer clinical research and treatment efforts across the Commonwealth. The Initiative shall include the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Virginia Medical Center, the Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center at the Eastern Virginia Health Sciences Center at Old Dominion University, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Hampton University, and three nonacademic health systems.

2025, c. 630.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-72. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1992, cc. 747 and 873.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73. Failure to comply with provisions; grounds for revocation of license or permit.
The failure of any physician, nurse or midwife to comply with the provisions of § 32.1-60, § 32.1-62 or § 32.1-65 shall, in addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, constitute grounds for revocation of the license or permit of such physician, nurse or midwife by the board issuing such license or permit.

1979, c. 711.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2002, c. 60.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.10. (Expires July 1, 2028) Advisory Council; report.
The Advisory Council shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly, by December 1 of each year, on the Advisory Council's recommendations related to:

1. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome;

2. Mechanisms to increase clinical awareness and education regarding pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome among physicians, including pediatricians, school-based health centers, and providers of mental health services;

3. Outreach to educators and parents to increase awareness of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome; and

4. Development of a network of volunteer experts on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome to assist in the delivery of education and outreach.

2017, c. 466.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.11. (Continued pursuant to Acts 2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2, Item 299 D; expires July 1, 2028) Sunset.
This article shall expire on July 1, 2028.

2017, c. 466; 2024, c. 391.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.12. Department to be lead agency for services for substance-exposed infants.
The Department shall serve as the lead agency with responsibility for the development, coordination, and implementation of a plan for services for substance-exposed infants in the Commonwealth. Such plan shall support a trauma-informed approach to identification and treatment of substance-exposed infants and their caregivers and shall include options for improving screening and identification of substance-using pregnant women; use of multidisciplinary approaches to intervention and service delivery during the prenatal period and following the birth of the substance-exposed child; and referral among providers serving substance-exposed infants and their families and caregivers. In carrying out its duties, the Department shall work cooperatively with the Department of Social Services, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, community services boards and behavioral health authorities, local departments of health, the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Virginia Section, and such other stakeholders as may be appropriate. The Department shall report annually on December 1 to the General Assembly regarding implementation of the plan.

2018, cc. 695, 696.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.13. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; early detection and diagnosis; risk reduction and care planning.
Using such funds as may be available for such purpose, the Department, in consultation with the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, shall have the lead responsibility for (i) educating and informing the public, based on evidence-based public health research and data, about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (ii) supporting early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (iii) reducing the risk of potentially avoidable hospitalizations for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (iv) reducing the risk of cognitive decline and cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; and (v) supporting care planning and management for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Department shall use targeted strategies specific to the needs of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Department shall cooperate with federal, state, and local agencies, private and public agencies, and other interested persons in order to address and reduce the risks and impairments associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias within the Commonwealth.

The provisions of this section shall not limit the powers and duties of other state agencies.

2020, c. 854.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.14. Rare Disease Council; purpose.
There is hereby created in the executive branch of state government the Rare Disease Council (the Council) for the purpose of (i) advising the Governor and the General Assembly on the needs of individuals with rare diseases in the Commonwealth; (ii) identifying challenges that such individuals face, including delays in obtaining a diagnosis or the receipt of a misdiagnosis, shortages of medical specialists who can provide treatment, and lack of access to therapies and medication used to treat rare diseases; (iii) funding research related to rare diseases and the development of new treatments for rare diseases; and (iv) funding for supports for persons with rare diseases in the Commonwealth.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 303.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.15. Powers and duties of the Council.
The Council shall have the power and duty to:

1. Within the first year, hold public hearings and make inquiries of and solicit comments from the public to assist the Council in understanding the scope of rare diseases in the Commonwealth and the impact of rare diseases on individuals in the Commonwealth.

2. Conduct research and consult with experts to develop policy recommendations related to:

a. Improving access to health care and other services for individuals with rare diseases, including access to health insurance, specialists, health care services, and other necessary services for individuals with rare diseases;

b. The impact of health insurance coverage, cost sharing, tiers, or other utilization management procedures on access to health care and other necessary services; and

c. The impact of providing coverage under the state program for medical assistance services for approved health care services and medications for rare diseases.

3. Publish a list of existing publicly accessible resources on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education relating to rare diseases on the Council's webpage.

4. Submit annually by October 1 a report to the Governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. The annual report shall (i) describe the activities and recommendations of the Council and (ii) describe the status of funding available to the Council, including information regarding any grants applied for and received by the Council.

5. Apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations from public or private sources to enable the Council to better carry out its objectives.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 303.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.17. Rare Disease Council Fund.
There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Rare Disease Council Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, grants, donations, and other funds received on its behalf 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 (i) funding research related to rare diseases and the development of new treatments for rare diseases and supports for persons with rare diseases in the Commonwealth and (ii) supporting the work of the Council. 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 Commissioner of Health.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 303.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.18. Renal Disease Council; purpose.
There is hereby created in the executive branch of state government the Renal Disease Council (the Council) for the purpose of (i) advising the Governor and the General Assembly on the needs of individuals with renal disease in the Commonwealth; (ii) identifying challenges that such individuals face and making recommendations for the improvement of the Commonwealth's kidney care system, particularly related to care coordination and prevention; (iii) funding research related to renal disease; (iv) funding supports for persons with renal disease in the Commonwealth; and (v) developing programs to educate medical professionals and the public about renal disease.

2022, c. 717.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.19. Powers and duties of the Council.
The Council shall have the power and duty to:

1. Within the first year, hold public hearings and make inquiries of and solicit comments from the public to assist the Council in understanding the scope of the challenges related to renal disease in the Commonwealth and the impact of renal disease on individuals in the Commonwealth.

2. Conduct research and consult with experts to develop policy recommendations related to:

a. Improving access to health care and other services for individuals with renal disease, including access to health insurance, specialists, health care services, and other necessary services for individuals with renal disease;

b. The impact of health insurance coverage, cost-sharing, tiers, or other utilization management procedures on access to health care and other necessary services; and

c. The impact of providing coverage under the state program for medical assistance services for approved health care services and medications for renal disease.

3. Publish a list of existing publicly accessible resources on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education relating to renal disease on the Council's webpage.

4. Submit annually by October 1 a report to the Governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. The annual report shall (i) describe the activities and recommendations of the Council and (ii) describe the status of funding available to the Council, including information regarding any grants applied for and received by the Council.

5. Apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations from public or private sources to enable the Council to better carry out its objectives.

2022, c. 717.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.20. Membership; terms; quorum; meetings; staffing.
A. The Council shall have a total membership of 21 members that shall consist of 18 nonlegislative citizen members and three ex officio members. The Governor shall appoint a chairman and vice-chairman who shall be residents of the Commonwealth and shall not be employed by any federal or state government. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed by the Governor and shall include, in addition to the chairman and the vice-chairman, one representative from an academic research institution in the Commonwealth that receives any grant funding for renal disease research; one registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse licensed and currently practicing in the Commonwealth with experience in treating renal disease; two physicians with expertise in renal disease who are licensed and currently practicing medicine in the Commonwealth; one hospital administrator, or his designee, from a hospital in the Commonwealth that provides care to persons diagnosed with renal disease; one person who is a dialysis social worker; two persons who are 18 years of age or older who have been diagnosed with a renal disease; two caregivers of persons with renal disease; two representatives of renal disease patient organizations operating in the Commonwealth; one licensed pharmacist with experience with drugs used to treat renal disease; one representative from the biopharmaceutical industry; one representative from health plan companies; and one member from the scientific community who is engaged in renal disease research, which may include a medical researcher with experience conducting research on renal disease. The Commissioner of Health, the Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, and the Director of the Department of Health Professions, or their designees, shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges.

Nonlegislative citizen members of the Council shall be citizens of the Commonwealth. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years.

Ex officio members of the Council shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office.

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.

B. The Council shall meet quarterly and the chairman and vice-chairman shall establish a meeting schedule on an annual basis. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

C. Members of the Council shall serve without compensation or reimbursement.

D. The Department of Health shall provide staff support to the Council. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Council, upon request.

2022, c. 717.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.21. Adult wellness screening for sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait.
In order to prevent disability or death, every adult resident of the Commonwealth may be offered screening tests for sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, with an emphasis on individuals of reproductive age and individuals who are unaware of their sickle cell trait status.

The health care professional in charge of the adult's annual health examination may cause such tests to be performed, and if performed, shall provide education and appropriate counseling regarding the test results.

The program for screening adults for sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait may be conducted in addition to the programs provided for in Article 8 (§ 32.1-68 et seq.).

2024, c. 182.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.22. Information from hospitals, clinics, certain laboratories, and physicians supplied to Commissioner; statewide sickle cell disease registry.
A. Each hospital, clinic, and independent pathology laboratory shall make available to the Commissioner or his agents information on patients having sickle cell disease. A physician shall report information on patients having sickle cell disease unless he has determined that a hospital, clinic, or in-state pathology laboratory has reported the information. Such information shall include the name, address, sex, race, diagnosis, trait status, newborn screening data, and any other pertinent identifying information regarding each such patient. Each hospital, clinic, independent pathology laboratory, or physician shall provide other available clinical information as defined by the Board.

B. From such information the Commissioner shall establish and maintain a statewide sickle cell disease registry. The purpose of the statewide sickle cell disease registry shall include:

1. Determining means of improving the diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell disease patients.

2. Determining the need for and means of providing better long-term, follow-up care to sickle cell disease patients.

3. Conducting epidemiological analyses of the incidence, prevalence, survival, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of sickle cell disease in Virginia.

4. Improving rehabilitative programs for sickle cell disease patients.

5. Assisting in the training of hospital personnel.

6. Determining other needs of sickle cell disease patients and health personnel.

2024, c. 437.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.23. Collection of sickle cell disease case information by the Commissioner.
A. Using such funds as may be appropriated therefor, the Commissioner or his designee may perform on-site data collection of the records of patients having sickle cell disease at those consenting hospitals, clinics, independent pathology laboratories, and physician offices required to report information on such patients pursuant to the reporting requirements of § 32.1-73.22 in order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the statewide sickle cell disease registry.

B. The selection criteria for determining which consenting hospitals, clinics, independent pathology laboratories, and physician offices may be subject to on-site data collection under the provisions of this section shall include (i) the expected annual number of sickle cell disease case reports from each such facility, (ii) the historical completeness and accuracy of reporting rates of each facility under consideration, and (iii) whether the facility maintains its own sickle cell disease registry.

C. The Board shall promulgate regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

2024, c. 437.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.24. Confidential nature of information supplied; publication; reciprocal data-sharing agreements.
A. The Commissioner and all persons to whom information is submitted in accordance with § 32.1-73.22 shall keep such information confidential. Except as authorized by the Commissioner in accordance with the provisions of § 32.1-41, no release of any such information shall be made except in the form of statistical or other studies that do not identify individual cases.

B. The Commissioner may enter into reciprocal data-sharing agreements with other sickle cell disease registries for the exchange of information. Upon the provision of satisfactory assurances for the preservation of the confidentiality of such information, patient-identifying information may be exchanged with other sickle cell disease registries that have entered into reciprocal data-sharing agreements with the Commissioner.

2024, c. 437.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.25. Penalties for unauthorized use of statewide sickle cell disease registry.
In addition to the remedies provided in § 32.1-27, any person who uses, discloses, or releases data maintained in the statewide sickle cell disease registry in violation of § 32.1-73.24 shall be subject, in the discretion of the court, to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each violation, which shall be paid to the general fund.

2024, c. 437.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.26. Notification of sickle cell disease patients of statewide sickle cell disease registry reporting.
A. Any physician diagnosing sickle cell disease shall, at such time and in such manner as considered appropriate by such physician, notify each patient whose name and record abstract is required to be reported to the statewide sickle cell disease registry pursuant to § 32.1-73.22 that personal identifying information about him has been included in the registry as required by law. Any physician required to so notify a patient that personal identifying information about him has been included in the sickle cell disease registry may, when, in the opinion of the physician, such notice would be injurious to the patient's health or well-being, provide the required notice to the patient's authorized representative or next of kin in lieu of notifying the patient.

B. Upon request to the statewide sickle cell disease registry, the patient whose personal identifying information has been submitted to such registry shall have a right to know the identity of the reporter of his information to such registry. A patient diagnosed with sickle cell disease may self-report information to the statewide sickle cell disease registry. A patient diagnosed with sickle cell disease shall have the right to opt out of having his data reported to the statewide sickle cell disease registry.

2024, c. 437.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.27. Annual report; sickle cell disease registry.
The Commissioner shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly, by November 1 of each year, a report of the information obtained under this article.

2024, c. 437.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.28. Women's Menstrual Health Program.
A. For the purposes of this section:

"Endometriosis" means a systemic disease generally occurring in menstruating individuals, which may also occur in premenarchal and postmenopausal individuals.

"Menstrual disorder" means any menstruation-related disorder or menstruation-related condition and includes endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

B. The Commissioner shall establish within the Department the Women's Menstrual Health Program to identify and assist patients who have displayed symptoms related to menstrual disorders.

C. The Department shall, in accordance with evidence-based industry best practices, guidelines, and screening tools, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or another nationally recognized body as may be designated by the Commissioner:

1. Provide education and training to health care providers, hospital staff who encounter patients in emergency situations, and the public concerning menstrual health, menstrual health screening, and menstrual health care; and

2. Provide information and resources on the Department's website for health care providers and patients, which shall include:

a. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for health care providers for the screening, referral, treatment, and follow-up care of patients who have displayed symptoms related to menstrual disorders; and

b. Educational materials for health care providers and the public concerning menstrual disorders.

2025, c. 694.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.29. Public awareness campaign; Department authorized to seek funding.
A. The Department shall create and distribute educational materials on perinatal and postpartum depression. Such materials shall include:

1. Fact sheets on symptoms, causes, and available treatment options;

2. Contact information for local, state, and national resources, including crisis hotlines, counseling services, and support groups;

3. Guidance for health care providers on screening, diagnosing, and managing perinatal and postpartum depression; and

4. Information on the impact of untreated perinatal and postpartum depression on maternal and infant health outcomes.

B. The Department shall distribute materials prepared pursuant to subsection A to:

1. Health care providers, including obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, and primary care physicians;

2. Hospitals, birthing centers, and clinics;

3. Community organizations, including faith-based groups and nonprofit organizations; and

4. Public health offices and other relevant government agencies.

2025, c. 700.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.30. Development of educational materials and resources.
The Department shall develop and maintain an online resource hub that provides:

1. Up-to-date information on perinatal and postpartum depression;

2. A directory of mental health providers specializing in perinatal and postpartum care;

3. Information on available support groups, counseling services, and treatment options; and

4. A platform for individuals and families to share experiences and connect with community resources.

2025, c. 700.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.31. Online resource hub.
A. The Department shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly that includes:

1. Metrics on public engagement with the programs implemented pursuant to this article;

2. Feedback from health care providers, community organizations, and individuals served by programs implemented pursuant to this article;

3. Progress in reducing stigma and increasing early detection and treatment of perinatal and postpartum depression; and

4. Recommendations for improving or expanding programs implemented pursuant to this article.

B. The Department shall publish the annual report prepared pursuant to subsection A on its website.

2025, c. 700.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.32. Annual report.
A. The Department shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly that includes:

1. Metrics on public engagement with the programs implemented pursuant to this article;

2. Feedback from health care providers, community organizations, and individuals served by programs implemented pursuant to this article;

3. Progress in reducing stigma and increasing early detection and treatment of perinatal and postpartum depression; and

4. Recommendations for improving or expanding programs implemented pursuant to this article.

B. The Department shall publish the annual report prepared pursuant to subsection A on its website.

2025, c. 700.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.5. Comprehensive statewide asthma management plan.
A. Using such funds as may be appropriated therefor, the Commissioner shall develop, maintain, and revise biennially a written comprehensive state plan for (i) reducing the rate of hospitalizations due to asthma and (ii) facilitating the effective management of persons with asthma residing in the Commonwealth. The plan shall address, but shall not be limited to, disease surveillance and investigation, public and professional education, identification and replication of best practices for public health and clinical interventions, public and private partnerships with health care providers, third-party payors, local school divisions, and community coalitions, and identification of sources of grant funding. The plan shall place primary emphasis on, but not be limited to, children between the ages of birth and eighteen years.

B. In order to develop the comprehensive state plan, the Commissioner shall consult with representatives of the medical, nursing, pharmacy and allied health professions, public health agencies, community coalition leaders, insurers, hospital personnel, the Department of Education and local school divisions, and other appropriate entities.

2000, cc. 73, 134.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.6. Implementation of state asthma management programs.
A. Using such funds as may be appropriated for this purpose, the Commissioner shall implement programs to meet the objectives of the statewide asthma management plan. The Commissioner shall assure, to the extent feasible and appropriate, that existing Department programs, systems, and infrastructure are efficiently utilized as a basis for implementation.

B. The Board shall promulgate regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of the statewide asthma management plan.

C. The Commissioner shall report periodically to the Board concerning (i) the development and implementation of the statewide asthma management plan and (ii) the effectiveness of the Department programs in reducing the rate of hospitalizations due to asthma in the Commonwealth and facilitating more effective management of asthma.

2000, cc. 73, 134.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.7. Department to be lead agency for youth suicide prevention.
With such funds as may be appropriated for this purpose, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Education, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, community services boards and behavioral health authorities, and local departments of health, shall have the lead responsibility for the youth suicide prevention program within the Commonwealth. This responsibility includes coordination of the activities of the agencies of the Commonwealth pertaining to youth suicide prevention in order to develop and carry out comprehensive youth suicide prevention strategies addressing public awareness, the promotion of health development, early identification, intervention and treatment, and support to survivors. The strategies shall be targeted to the specific needs of children and adolescents. The Department shall cooperate with federal, state and local agencies, private and public agencies, survivor groups and other interested persons in order to prevent youth suicide within the Commonwealth.

The provisions of this section shall not limit the powers and duties of other state agencies.

2001, cc. 275, 291; 2003, c. 885; 2005, cc. 336, 434; 2009, cc. 813, 840.

Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 2 (Disease Prevention and Control)
§ 32.1-73.8. Youth health risk behavior survey.
The Department shall, in cooperation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, develop and administer a survey of students to facilitate planning and implementation of effective programs for the prevention of substance abuse through collection of data and information to (i) identify trends in the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and (ii) assess the prevalence of risk and protective factors among the youth of the Commonwealth. In developing such survey, the Department may utilize all or part of an existing survey designed to collect such information developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey shall be anonymous and administered in a manner designed to protect students' privacy. Schools shall be randomly selected for participation in the survey. Schools selected to participate in the survey shall notify students and parents pursuant to § 22.1-79.3. A student whose parents have refused to consent to the student's participation in the survey as provided in § 22.1-79.3 shall not be required to participate in the survey.

2011, c. 726.
Code of Virginia — Title 32.1 (Health), Chapter 20 (Disposition of Assets by Nonprofit Health Care Entities)
§ 32.1-373. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Disposition of assets" means any action undertaken by a nonprofit entity to dispose of control of all or substantially all of its assets pursuant to an agreement of sale, transfer, lease, exchange, option, joint venture, or partnership, or to convert to a for-profit entity or to otherwise restructure the nonprofit entity or its assets, resulting in a change in control or governance of the entity or assets.

"Nonprofit entity" means (i) a foreign or domestic nonstock corporation licensed and subject to regulation under Chapter 42 (§ 38.2-4200 et seq.) of Title 38.2 or (ii) a person that is exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) or (4) and is, or owns, one of the following: (a) a hospital licensed under Chapter 5 (§ 32.1-123 et seq.) of this title or Article 2 (§ 37.2-403 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 37.2; (b) a health maintenance organization licensed under Chapter 43 (§ 38.2-4300 et seq.) of Title 38.2; (c) a nursing home, including a facility known by varying nomenclature or designation such as convalescent home, skilled nursing facility or skilled care facility, intermediate care facility, extended care facility, or certified nursing facility or nursing care facility, licensed under the provisions of Article 1 (§ 32.1-123 et seq.) of Chapter 5; or (d) a facility for the provision of continuing care registered with the State Corporation Commission pursuant to Chapter 49 (§ 38.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 38.2.

1997, c. 615, § 55-531; 2000, c. 266; 2002, c. 516; 2005, c. 839; 2019, c. 712.