Tracking Virginia’s General Assembly
since 2007.
SB245: Psychiatric inpatient treatment of minors; timing of petition and hearing.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 16.1-338, 16.1-339, 16.1-340, and 16.1-341 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 16.1-338. Parental admission of minors younger than 14 and nonobjecting minors 14 years of age or older.
A. A minor younger than 14 years of age may be admitted to a willing mental health facility for inpatient treatment upon application and with the consent of a parent. A minor 14 years of age or older may be admitted to a willing mental health facility for inpatient treatment upon the joint application and consent of the minor and the minor's parent.
B. Admission of a minor under this section shall be approved by a qualified evaluator who has conducted a personal examination of the minor within 48 hours after admission and has made the following written findings:
1. The minor appears to have a mental illness serious enough to warrant inpatient treatment and is reasonably likely to benefit from the treatment; and
2. The minor has been provided with a clinically appropriate explanation of the nature and purpose of the treatment; and
3. If the minor is 14 years of age or older, that he has been provided with an explanation of his rights under this Act as they would apply if he were to object to admission, and that he has consented to admission; and
4. All available modalities of treatment less restrictive than inpatient treatment have been considered and no less restrictive alternative is available that would offer comparable benefits to the minor.
If admission is sought to a state hospital, the community services board serving the area in which the minor resides shall provide the examination required by this section and shall ensure that the necessary written findings have been made before approving the admission. A copy of the written findings of the evaluation required by this section shall be provided to the consenting parent and the parent shall have the opportunity to discuss the findings with the evaluator.
C. Within 10 days after the admission of a minor under this section, the director of the facility or the director's designee shall ensure that an individualized plan of treatment has been prepared by the provider responsible for the minor's treatment and has been explained to the parent consenting to the admission and to the minor. The minor shall be involved in the preparation of the plan to the maximum feasible extent consistent with his ability to understand and participate, and the minor's family shall be involved to the maximum extent consistent with the minor's treatment needs. The plan shall include a preliminary plan for placement and aftercare upon completion of inpatient treatment and shall include specific behavioral and emotional goals against which the success of treatment may be measured. A copy of the plan shall be provided to the minor and to his parents.
D. If the parent who consented to a minor's admission under
this section revokes his consent at any time, or if a minor 14 or older objects
at any time to further treatment, the minor shall be discharged within 48 96
hours to the custody of such consenting parent unless the minor's continued
hospitalization is authorized pursuant to § 16.1-339, 16.1-340, or 16.1-345.
E. Inpatient treatment of a minor hospitalized under this section may not exceed 90 consecutive days unless it has been authorized by appropriate hospital medical personnel, based upon their written findings that the criteria set forth in subsection B of this section continue to be met, after such persons have examined the minor and interviewed the consenting parent and reviewed reports submitted by members of the facility staff familiar with the minor's condition.
F. Any minor admitted under this section while younger than 14 and his consenting parent shall be informed orally and in writing by the director of the facility for inpatient treatment within 10 days of his fourteenth birthday that continued voluntary treatment under the authority of this section requires his consent.
G. Any minor 14 years of age or older who joins in an application and consents to admission pursuant to subsection A, shall, in addition to his parent, have the right to access his health information. The concurrent authorization of both the parent and the minor shall be required to disclose such minor's health information.
§ 16.1-339. Parental admission of an objecting minor 14 years of age or older.
A. A minor 14 years of age or older who objects to admission
may be admitted to a willing facility for up to 72 96
hours, pending the review required by subsections B and C of this section, upon
the application of a parent. If admission is sought to a state hospital, the
community services board or behavioral health authority serving the area in
which the minor resides shall provide the examination required by subsection B
of § 16.1-338 and shall ensure that the necessary written findings, except the
minor's consent, have been made before approving the admission.
B. A minor admitted under this section shall be examined within 24 hours of his admission by a qualified evaluator designated by the community services board or behavioral health authority serving the area where the facility is located who is not and will not be treating the minor and who has no significant financial interest in the minor's hospitalization. The evaluator shall prepare a report that shall include written findings as to whether:
1. Because of mental illness, the minor (i) presents a serious danger to himself or others to the extent that severe or irremediable injury is likely to result, as evidenced by recent acts or threats or (ii) is experiencing a serious deterioration of his ability to care for himself in a developmentally age-appropriate manner, as evidenced by delusionary thinking or by a significant impairment of functioning in hydration, nutrition, self-protection, or self-control;
2. The minor is in need of inpatient treatment for a mental illness and is reasonably likely to benefit from the proposed treatment; and
3. Inpatient treatment is the least restrictive alternative that meets the minor's needs. The qualified evaluator shall submit his report to the juvenile and domestic relations district court for the jurisdiction in which the facility is located.
C. Upon admission of a minor under this section, the facility
shall immediately file a petition for
judicial approval no sooner than 24 hours and no later than 96 hours
after admission with the juvenile and domestic relations district
court for the jurisdiction in which the facility is located. A copy of this
petition shall be delivered to the minor's consenting parent. Upon receipt of
the petition and of the evaluator's report submitted pursuant to subsection B,
the judge shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor. The court and the
guardian ad litem shall review the petition and evaluator's report and shall
ascertain the views of the minor, the minor's consenting parent, the evaluator,
and the attending psychiatrist. The court shall conduct its review in such
place and manner, including the facility, as it deems to be in the best
interests of the minor. Based upon its review and the recommendations of the
guardian ad litem, the court shall order one of the following dispositions:
1. If the court finds that the minor does not meet the criteria for admission specified in subsection B, the court shall issue an order directing the facility to release the minor into the custody of the parent who consented to the minor's admission. However, nothing herein shall be deemed to affect the terms and provisions of any valid court order of custody affecting the minor.
2. If the court finds that the minor meets the criteria for admission specified in subsection B, the court shall issue an order authorizing continued hospitalization of the minor for up to 90 days on the basis of the parent's consent.
Within 10 days after the admission of a minor under this section, the director of the facility or the director's designee shall ensure that an individualized plan of treatment has been prepared by the provider responsible for the minor's treatment and has been explained to the parent consenting to the admission and to the minor. A copy of the plan shall also be provided to the guardian ad litem. The minor shall be involved in the preparation of the plan to the maximum feasible extent consistent with his ability to understand and participate, and the minor's family shall be involved to the maximum extent consistent with the minor's treatment needs. The plan shall include a preliminary plan for placement and aftercare upon completion of inpatient treatment and shall include specific behavioral and emotional goals against which the success of treatment may be measured.
3. If the court determines that the available information is
insufficient to permit an informed determination regarding whether the minor
meets the criteria specified in subsection B, the court shall schedule a
commitment hearing that shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures
specified in §§ 16.1-341 through 16.1-345. The minor may be detained in the
hospital for up to 72 96
additional hours pending the holding of the commitment hearing.
D. A minor admitted under this section who rescinds his objection may be retained in the hospital pursuant to § 16.1-338.
E. If the parent who consented to a minor's admission under
this section revokes his consent at any time, the minor shall be released
within 48 96 hours
to the parent's custody unless the minor's continued hospitalization is
authorized pursuant to § 16.1-340 or 16.1-345.
§ 16.1-340. Emergency admission.
A minor, including a minor in detention or shelter care
pursuant to an order of a juvenile and domestic relations court, may be taken
into custody and admitted for inpatient treatment pursuant to the procedures
specified in Article 4 (§ 37.2-808 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 37.2. If the
minor is admitted to a willing facility in accordance with § 37.2-809, the temporary
detention order shall be effective until such time as the juvenile and domestic
relations district court serving the jurisdiction in which the minor is located
schedules a hearing. The juvenile and domestic relations district court serving
the jurisdiction in which the minor is located shall schedule a hearing
pursuant to § 16.1-341 no sooner than 24 hours and no later than 72 96
hours from the time of the issuance of the temporary detention order filing of the petition pursuant to § 16.1-341. If the 72-hour 96-hour period expires on a Saturday,
Sunday, legal holiday or day on which the court is lawfully closed, the 72 96
hours shall be extended to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, legal
holiday or day on which the court is lawfully closed.
§ 16.1-341. Involuntary commitment; petition; hearing scheduled; notice and appointment of counsel.
A. A petition for the involuntary commitment of a minor may be filed with the juvenile and domestic relations district court serving the jurisdiction in which the minor is located by a parent or, if the parent is not available or is unable or unwilling to file a petition, by any responsible adult, including the person having custody over a minor in detention or shelter care pursuant to an order of a juvenile and domestic relations district court. The petition shall include the name and address of the petitioner and the minor and shall set forth in specific terms why the petitioner believes the minor meets the criteria for involuntary commitment specified in § 16.1-345. The petition shall be taken under oath.
If a commitment hearing has been scheduled pursuant to subdivision 3 of subsection C of § 16.1-339, the petition for judicial approval filed by the facility under subsection C of § 16.1-339 shall serve as the petition for involuntary commitment as long as such petition complies in substance with the provisions of this subsection.
B. Upon the filing of a petition for involuntary commitment of
a minor, the juvenile and domestic relations district court serving the
jurisdiction in which the minor is located may schedule a hearing which shall
occur no sooner than 24 hours and no later than 72 96
hours from the time the petition was filed. If the 72-hour 96-hour period expires on a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday or day
on which the court is lawfully closed, the 72 96
hours shall be extended to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, legal
holiday or day on which the court is lawfully closed. The attorney for the
minor, the attorney for the Commonwealth in the jurisdiction giving rise to the
detention, and the juvenile and domestic relations district court having
jurisdiction over any minor in detention or shelter care shall be given notice
prior to the hearing.
If the petition is not dismissed, copies of the petition,
together with a notice of the hearing, shall be served immediately upon the
minor and the minor's parents, if they are not petitioners. No later than 24
hours before the hearing, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the
minor, unless it has determined that the minor has retained counsel. Upon the
request of the minor's counsel, for good cause shown, and after notice to the
petitioner and all other persons receiving notice of the hearing, the court may
continue the hearing once for a period not to exceed 72 96
hours.
Any recommendation made by a state mental health facility or state hospital regarding the minor's involuntary commitment may be admissible during the course of the hearing.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 16.1-337, 19.2-169.6, 19.2-176, 19.2-177.1, 32.1-127.1:03, 37.2-808, 37.2-809, 37.2-813, 37.2-814, 37.2-815, 37.2-816, 37.2-817, 37.2-818, 37.2-819, 37.2-821, and 53.1-40.2 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 37.2 a section numbered 37.2-804.2 as follows:
§ 16.1-337. Inpatient treatment of minors; general applicability.
A. A minor may be admitted to a mental health facility for inpatient treatment only pursuant to §§ 16.1-338, 16.1-339, or § 16.1-340 or in accordance with an order of involuntary commitment entered pursuant to §§ 16.1-341 through 16.1-345. The provisions of Article 12 (§ 16.1-299 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of this title relating to the confidentiality of files, papers, and records shall apply to proceedings under §§ 16.1-339 through 16.1-345.
B. Any health care provider, as defined in § 32.1-127.1:03, or other provider rendering services to a minor who is the subject of proceedings under this article shall disclose to a magistrate, the juvenile intake officer, the court, the minor's attorney as required in § 16.1-343, the evaluator as required under §16.1-338, 16.1-339, and 16.1-342 the community services board or behavioral health authority performing evaluation, preadmission screening, or monitoring duties under this article, or a law-enforcement officer any and all information as requested or as may be necessary and appropriate to enable each of them to perform their duties under this article. These health care providers and other service providers shall disclose to one another health records and information where necessary to provide care and treatment to the person and to monitor that care and treatment.
§ 19.2-169.6. Emergency treatment prior to trial.
A. Any defendant who is not subject to the provisions of § 19.2-169.2 may be hospitalized for psychiatric treatment prior to trial if:
1. The court with jurisdiction over the defendant's case finds
clear and convincing evidence that the defendant (i) is being properly detained
in jail prior to trial; (ii) has mental illness and is imminently
dangerous to himself or othersthat there
exists a substantial likelihood that, as
a result of mental illness, the defendant will, in the near
future, cause serious physical harm to himself or others as evidenced by recent
behavior causing, attempting or threatening harm,
in the opinion of a qualified mental health professional; and (iii) requires
treatment in a hospital rather than the jail in the opinion of a qualified
mental health professional; or
2. The person having custody over a defendant who is awaiting
trial has reasonable cause to believe that (i) the
defendant (i) has mental illness and is
imminently dangerous to himself or othersthat there exists a
substantial likelihood that, as a result of mental illness, the defendant will,
in the near future, cause serious physical harm to himself or others as
evidenced by recent behavior causing, attempting, or
threatening harm and (ii) requires treatment in a hospital rather
than jail and the person having such custody arranges for an evaluation of the
defendant by a person skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness
provided a district court judge or a special justice, as defined in § 37.2-100
or, if a judge or special justice is not available, a magistrate, upon the
advice of a person skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness,
subsequently issues a temporary detention order for treatment in accordance
with the procedures specified in §§ 37.2-809 through 37.2-813. In no event
shall the defendant have the right to make application for voluntary admission
and treatment as may be otherwise provided in § 37.2-805 or 37.2-814.
If the defendant is committed pursuant to subdivision 1 of this subsection, the attorney for the defendant shall be notified that the court is considering hospitalizing the defendant for psychiatric treatment and shall have the opportunity to challenge the findings of the qualified mental health professional. If the defendant is detained pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection, the court having jurisdiction over the defendant's case and the attorney for the defendant shall be given notice prior to the detention pursuant to a temporary detention order or as soon thereafter as is reasonable. Upon detention pursuant to subdivision 2 of this subsection, a hearing shall be held, upon notice to the attorney for the defendant, either (i) before the court having jurisdiction over the defendant's case or (ii) before a district court judge or a special justice, as defined in § 37.2-100, in accordance with the provisions of § 37.2-820, in which case the defendant shall be represented by counsel as specified in § 37.2-814; the hearing shall be held within 48 hours of execution of the temporary order to allow the court that hears the case to make the findings, based upon clear and convincing evidence, that are specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection. If the 48-hour period herein specified terminates on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the person may be detained for the same period allowed for detention pursuant to a temporary detention order issued pursuant to §§ 37.2-809 through 37.2-813.
In any case in which the defendant is hospitalized pursuant to this section, the court having jurisdiction over the defendant's case may provide by order that the admitting hospital evaluate the defendant's competency to stand trial and his mental state at the time of the offense pursuant to §§ 19.2-169.1 and 19.2-169.5.
B. A defendant subject to this section shall be treated at a
hospital designated by the Commissioner as appropriate for treatment and
evaluation of persons under criminal charge. The director of the hospital
shall, within 30 days of the defendant's admission, send a report to the court
with jurisdiction over the defendant addressing the defendant's continued need
for treatment for a mental illness and being imminently
dangerousthe continued substantial likelihood that, as a
result of mental illness, the defendant will, in the near future, cause serious
physical harm to himself or others as evidenced by
recent behavior causing, attempting, or threatening such harm and,
if so ordered by the court, the defendant's competency to stand trial, pursuant
to subsection D of § 19.2-169.1, and his mental state at the time of the
offense, pursuant to subsection D of § 19.2-169.5. Based on this report, the
court shall (i) find the defendant incompetent to stand trial pursuant to
subsection E of § 19.2-169.1 and proceed accordingly, (ii) order that the
defendant be discharged from custody pending trial, (iii) order that the
defendant be returned to jail pending trial, or (iv) make other appropriate
disposition, including dismissal of charges and release of the defendant.
C. A defendant may not be hospitalized longer than 30 days
under this section unless the court which has criminal jurisdiction over him or
a district court judge or a special justice, as defined in § 37.2-100, holds a
hearing at which the defendant shall be represented by an attorney and finds
clear and convincing evidence that the defendant continues to (i) have a mental
illness, (ii) be imminently dangerous
to himself or othersand that there continues to exist a substantial
likelihood that, as a result of mental illness, the defendant will, in the near
future, cause serious physical harm to himself or others as evidenced by recent
behavior causing, attempting, or threatening harm, and (iii)(ii)
be in need of psychiatric treatment in a hospital. Hospitalization may be
extended in this manner for periods of 60 days, but in no event may such
hospitalization be continued beyond trial, nor shall such hospitalization act
to delay trial, so long as the defendant remains competent to stand trial.
D. Any health care provider, as defined in § 32.1-127.1:03, or other provider rendering services to a defendant who is the subject of a proceeding under this section, § 19.2-176, or 19.2-177.1 shall disclose to a magistrate, the court, the defendant's attorney, the qualified mental health professional, the community service board or behavioral health authority performing evaluation, preadmission screening, or monitoring duties under these sections, or the sheriff or administrator of the jail any and all information as requested or as may be necessary and appropriate to enable each of them to perform their duties under these sections. These health care providers and other service providers shall disclose to one another health records and information where necessary to provide care and treatment to the defendant and to monitor that care and treatment.
§ 19.2-176. Determination of insanity after conviction but before sentence; hearing.
A. If, after conviction and before sentence of any person, the judge presiding at the trial finds reasonable ground to question such person's mental state, he may order an evaluation of such person's mental state by at least one psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is qualified by training and experience to perform such evaluations. If the judge, based on the evaluation, and after hearing representations of the defendant's counsel, finds clear and convincing evidence that the defendant (i) is mentally ill, and (ii) requires treatment in a mental hospital rather than the jail, he may order the defendant hospitalized in a facility designated by the Commissioner as appropriate for treatment of persons convicted of crime. The time such person is confined to such hospital shall be deducted from any term for which he may be sentenced to any penal institution, reformatory or elsewhere.
B. If it appears from all evidence readily available that the
defendant is mentally ill and poses an imminent danger
to himself or others that there exists a
substantial likelihood that, as a result of mental illness, the defendant will,
in the near future, cause serious physical harm to himself or others as
evidenced by recent behavior causing, attempting, or
threatening harmif not immediately hospitalized, a
temporary order of detention may be issued in accordance with subdivision A 2
of § 19.2-169.6 and a hearing shall be conducted in accordance with subsections
A and C within forty-eight hours of execution of the temporary order of
detention, or if the forty-eight-hour period herein specified terminates on a
Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, such person may be detained for the same
period allowed for detention pursuant to an order for temporary detention
issued pursuant to §§ 37.2-809 to 37.2-813.
C. A defendant may not be hospitalized longer than thirty days
under this section unless the court which has criminal jurisdiction over him,
or a court designated by such court, holds a hearing, at which the defendant shall
be represented by an attorney, and finds clear and convincing evidence that the
defendant continues to be (i) mentally ill, (ii) imminently
dangerous to self or othersand that there
continues to exist a substantial
likelihood that, as a result of mental illness, the defendant will, in the near future, cause serious physical
harm to himself or others as evidenced by recent behavior causing, attempting, or
threatening harm, and (iii)(ii)
in need of psychiatric treatment in a hospital. Hospitalization may be extended
in this manner for periods of 180 days, but in no event may such
hospitalization be continued beyond the date upon which his sentence would have
expired had he received the maximum sentence for the crime charged.
§ 19.2-177.1. Determination of mental illness after sentencing; hearing.
A person convicted of a crime who is in the custody of a local
correctional facility after sentencing may be the subject of a commitment
hearing for involuntary admission in accordance with the procedures provided in
Chapter 8 (§ 37.2-800 et seq.) of Title 37.2. Such hearing shall be commenced
upon petition of the person having custody over the prisoner. If the person
having custody over the prisoner has reasonable cause to believe that (i) the prisoner (i) has mental illness and is imminently
dangerous to himself or othersthat there exists a
substantial likelihood that, as a result of mental illness, the prisoner will,
in the near future, cause serious physical harm to himself or others as
evidenced by recent behavior causing, attempting, or threatening harm,
and (ii) requires treatment in a
hospital rather than a local correctional facility and the person having such
custody arranges for an evaluation of the prisoner by a person skilled in the
diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, then a district court judge or a
special justice, as defined in § 37.2-100 or, if a judge is not available, a
magistrate, upon the advice of a person skilled in the diagnosis and treatment
of mental illness, may issue a temporary detention order for treatment in
accordance with the procedures specified in subdivision A 2 of § 19.2-169.6.
In all other respects, the involuntary admission procedures specified in Chapter 8 of Title 37.2 shall be applicable, except:
1. Any involuntary admission shall be only to a facility designated for this purpose by the Commissioner;
2. In no event shall the prisoner have the right to make application for voluntary admission and treatment as may be otherwise provided in § 37.2-805 or 37.2-814;
3. The time that such prisoner is confined to a hospital shall be deducted from any term for which he may be sentenced, but in no event may such hospitalization be continued beyond the date upon which his sentence would have expired;
4. Any prisoner hospitalized pursuant to this section who has not completed service of his sentence upon discharge from the hospital shall serve the remainder of his sentence.
§ 32.1-127.1:03. Health records privacy.
A. There is hereby recognized an individual's right of privacy in the content of his health records. Health records are the property of the health care entity maintaining them, and, except when permitted or required by this section or by other provisions of state law, no health care entity, or other person working in a health care setting, may disclose an individual's health records.
Pursuant to this subsection:
1. Health care entities shall disclose health records to the individual who is the subject of the health record, except as provided in subsections E and F of this section and subsection B of § 8.01-413.
2. Health records shall not be removed from the premises where they are maintained without the approval of the health care entity that maintains such health records, except in accordance with a court order or subpoena consistent with subsection C of § 8.01-413 or with this section or in accordance with the regulations relating to change of ownership of health records promulgated by a health regulatory board established in Title 54.1.
3. No person to whom health records are disclosed shall redisclose or otherwise reveal the health records of an individual, beyond the purpose for which such disclosure was made, without first obtaining the individual's specific authorization to such redisclosure. This redisclosure prohibition shall not, however, prevent (i) any health care entity that receives health records from another health care entity from making subsequent disclosures as permitted under this section and the federal Department of Health and Human Services regulations relating to privacy of the electronic transmission of data and protected health information promulgated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.) or (ii) any health care entity from furnishing health records and aggregate or other data, from which individually identifying prescription information has been removed, encoded or encrypted, to qualified researchers, including, but not limited to, pharmaceutical manufacturers and their agents or contractors, for purposes of clinical, pharmaco-epidemiological, pharmaco-economic, or other health services research.
B. As used in this section:
"Agent" means a person who has been appointed as an individual's agent under a power of attorney for health care or an advance directive under the Health Care Decisions Act (§ 54.1-2981 et seq.).
"Certification" means a written representation that is delivered by hand, by first-class mail, by overnight delivery service, or by facsimile if the sender obtains a facsimile-machine-generated confirmation reflecting that all facsimile pages were successfully transmitted.
"Guardian" means a court-appointed guardian of the person.
"Health care clearinghouse" means, consistent with the definition set out in 45 C.F.R. § 160.103, a public or private entity, such as a billing service, repricing company, community health management information system or community health information system, and "value-added" networks and switches, that performs either of the following functions: (i) processes or facilitates the processing of health information received from another entity in a nonstandard format or containing nonstandard data content into standard data elements or a standard transaction; or (ii) receives a standard transaction from another entity and processes or facilitates the processing of health information into nonstandard format or nonstandard data content for the receiving entity.
"Health care entity" means any health care provider, health plan or health care clearinghouse.
"Health care provider" means those entities listed in the definition of "health care provider" in § 8.01-581.1, except that state-operated facilities shall also be considered health care providers for the purposes of this section. Health care provider shall also include all persons who are licensed, certified, registered or permitted or who hold a multistate licensure privilege issued by any of the health regulatory boards within the Department of Health Professions, except persons regulated by the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers or the Board of Veterinary Medicine.
"Health plan" means an individual or group plan that provides, or pays the cost of, medical care. "Health plan" shall include any entity included in such definition as set out in 45 C.F.R. § 160.103.
"Health record" means any written, printed or electronically recorded material maintained by a health care entity in the course of providing health services to an individual concerning the individual and the services provided. "Health record" also includes the substance of any communication made by an individual to a health care entity in confidence during or in connection with the provision of health services or information otherwise acquired by the health care entity about an individual in confidence and in connection with the provision of health services to the individual.
"Health services" means, but shall not be limited to, examination, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, pharmaceuticals, aftercare, habilitation or rehabilitation and mental health therapy of any kind, as well as payment or reimbursement for any such services.
"Individual" means a patient who is receiving or has received health services from a health care entity.
"Individually identifying prescription information" means all prescriptions, drug orders or any other prescription information that specifically identifies an individual.
"Parent" means a biological, adoptive or foster parent.
"Psychotherapy notes" means comments, recorded in any medium by a health care provider who is a mental health professional, documenting or analyzing the contents of conversation during a private counseling session with an individual or a group, joint, or family counseling session that are separated from the rest of the individual's health record. "Psychotherapy notes" shall not include annotations relating to medication and prescription monitoring, counseling session start and stop times, treatment modalities and frequencies, clinical test results, or any summary of any symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, functional status, treatment plan, or the individual's progress to date.
C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any of the following:
1. The status of and release of information governed by §§ 65.2-604 and 65.2-607 of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act;
2. Except where specifically provided herein, the health records of minors; or
3. The release of juvenile health records to a secure facility or a shelter care facility pursuant to § 16.1-248.3.
D. Health care entities may, and, when required by other provisions of state law, shall, disclose health records:
1. As set forth in subsection E, pursuant to the written authorization of (i) the individual or (ii) in the case of a minor, (a) his custodial parent, guardian or other person authorized to consent to treatment of minors pursuant to § 54.1-2969 or (b) the minor himself, if he has consented to his own treatment pursuant to § 54.1-2969, or (iii) in emergency cases or situations where it is impractical to obtain an individual's written authorization, pursuant to the individual's oral authorization for a health care provider or health plan to discuss the individual's health records with a third party specified by the individual;
2. In compliance with a subpoena issued in accord with subsection H, pursuant to a search warrant or a grand jury subpoena, pursuant to court order upon good cause shown or in compliance with a subpoena issued pursuant to subsection C of § 8.01-413;
3. In accord with subsection F of § 8.01-399 including, but not limited to, situations where disclosure is reasonably necessary to establish or collect a fee or to defend a health care entity or the health care entity's employees or staff against any accusation of wrongful conduct; also as required in the course of an investigation, audit, review or proceedings regarding a health care entity's conduct by a duly authorized law-enforcement, licensure, accreditation, or professional review entity;
4. In testimony in accordance with §§ 8.01-399 and 8.01-400.2;
5. In compliance with the provisions of § 8.01-413;
6. As required or authorized by law relating to public health activities, health oversight activities, serious threats to health or safety, or abuse, neglect or domestic violence, relating to contagious disease, public safety, and suspected child or adult abuse reporting requirements, including, but not limited to, those contained in §§ 32.1-36, 32.1-36.1, 32.1-40, 32.1-41, 32.1-127.1:04, 32.1-276.5, 32.1-283, 32.1-283.1, 37.2-710, 37.2-839, 53.1-40.10, 54.1-2400.6, 54.1-2400.7, 54.1-2403.3, 54.1-2506, 54.1-2966, 54.1-2966.1, 54.1-2967, 54.1-2968, 63.2-1509, and 63.2-1606;
7. Where necessary in connection with the care of the individual;
8. In connection with the health care entity's own health care operations or the health care operations of another health care entity, as specified in 45 C.F.R. § 164.501, or in the normal course of business in accordance with accepted standards of practice within the health services setting; however, the maintenance, storage, and disclosure of the mass of prescription dispensing records maintained in a pharmacy registered or permitted in Virginia shall only be accomplished in compliance with §§ 54.1-3410, 54.1-3411, and 54.1-3412;
9. When the individual has waived his right to the privacy of the health records;
10. When examination and evaluation of an individual are undertaken pursuant to judicial or administrative law order, but only to the extent as required by such order;
11. To the guardian ad litem and any attorney representing the respondent in the course of a guardianship proceeding of an adult patient who is the respondent in a proceeding under Chapter 10 (§ 37.2-1000 et seq.) of Title 37.2;
12. To the attorney appointed by the court to represent an individual who is or has been a patient who is the subject of a civil commitment proceeding under Article 5 (§ 37.2-814 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 37.2 or a judicial authorization for treatment proceeding pursuant to Chapter 11 (§ 37.2-1100 et seq.) of Title 37.2;
13. To a magistrate, the court, the evaluator examiner required under § 16.1-338, 16.1-339, 16.1-342, or 37.2-815, a community services board or behavioral health authority or a designee of a community services board or behavioral health authority, or a law-enforcement officer participating in any proceeding under Article 16 (§ 16.1-335 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1, § 19.2-169.6, 19.2-176, or 19.2-177.1, or Chapter 8 (§ 37.2-800 et seq.) of Title 37.2 regarding the subject of the proceeding, and to any health care provider evaluating or providing services to the person who is the subject of the proceeding or monitoring the person's adherence to a treatment plan ordered under those provisions;
14. To the attorney and/or guardian ad litem of a minor who represents such minor in any judicial or administrative proceeding, if the court or administrative hearing officer has entered an order granting the attorney or guardian ad litem this right and such attorney or guardian ad litem presents evidence to the health care entity of such order;
14.15. With
regard to the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, a minor's health
records in accord with § 9.1-156;
15.16. To
an agent appointed under an individual's power of attorney or to an agent or
decision maker designated in an individual's advance directive for health care
or for decisions on anatomical gifts and organ, tissue or eye donation or to
any other person consistent with the provisions of the Health Care Decisions
Act (§ 54.1-2981 et seq.);
16.17. To
third-party payors and their agents for purposes of reimbursement;
17.18. As
is necessary to support an application for receipt of health care benefits from
a governmental agency or as required by an authorized governmental agency
reviewing such application or reviewing benefits already provided or as
necessary to the coordination of prevention and control of disease, injury, or
disability and delivery of such health care benefits pursuant to §
32.1-127.1:04;
18.19. Upon
the sale of a medical practice as provided in § 54.1-2405; or upon a change of
ownership or closing of a pharmacy pursuant to regulations of the Board of
Pharmacy;
19.20. In
accord with subsection B of § 54.1-2400.1, to communicate an individual's
specific and immediate threat to cause serious bodily injury or death of an
identified or readily identifiable person;
20.21.
Where necessary in connection with the implementation of a hospital's routine
contact process for organ donation pursuant to subdivision B 4 of § 32.1-127;
21.22. In
the case of substance abuse records, when permitted by and in conformity with
requirements of federal law found in 42 U.S.C. § 290dd-2 and 42 C.F.R. Part 2;
22.23. In
connection with the work of any entity established as set forth in §
8.01-581.16 to evaluate the adequacy or quality of professional services or the
competency and qualifications for professional staff privileges;
23.24. If
the health records are those of a deceased or mentally incapacitated individual
to the personal representative or executor of the deceased individual or the
legal guardian or committee of the incompetent or incapacitated individual or
if there is no personal representative, executor, legal guardian or committee
appointed, to the following persons in the following order of priority: a
spouse, an adult son or daughter, either parent, an adult brother or sister, or
any other relative of the deceased individual in order of blood relationship;
24.25. For
the purpose of conducting record reviews of inpatient hospital deaths to
promote identification of all potential organ, eye, and tissue donors in
conformance with the requirements of applicable federal law and regulations,
including 42 C.F.R. § 482.45, (i) to the health care provider's designated
organ procurement organization certified by the United States Health Care
Financing Administration and (ii) to any eye bank or tissue bank in Virginia
certified by the Eye Bank Association of America or the American Association of
Tissue Banks;
25.26. To
the Office of the Inspector General for Mental Health, Mental Retardation and
Substance Abuse Services pursuant to Article 3 (§ 37.2-423 et seq.) of Chapter
4 of Title 37.2;
26.27.
To an entity participating in the activities of a local health partnership
authority established pursuant to Article 6.1 (§ 32.1-122.10:001 et seq.) of
Chapter 4 of this title, pursuant to subdivision 1 of this subsection;
27.28. To
law-enforcement officials by each licensed emergency medical services agency,
(i) when the individual is the victim of a crime or (ii) when the individual
has been arrested and has received emergency medical services or has refused
emergency medical services and the health records consist of the prehospital
patient care report required by § 32.1-116.1;
28.29. To
law-enforcement officials, in response to their request, for the purpose of
identifying or locating a suspect, fugitive, person required to register
pursuant to § 9.1-901 of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry
Act, material witness, or missing person, provided that only the following
information may be disclosed: (i) name and address of the person, (ii) date and
place of birth of the person, (iii) social security number of the person, (iv)
blood type of the person, (v) date and time of treatment received by the
person, (vi) date and time of death of the person, where applicable, (vii)
description of distinguishing physical characteristics of the person, and
(viii) type of injury sustained by the person.
29.30. To
law-enforcement officials regarding the death of an individual for the purpose
of alerting law enforcement of the death if the health care entity has a
suspicion that such death may have resulted from criminal conduct;
30.31. To
law-enforcement officials if the health care entity believes in good faith that
the information disclosed constitutes evidence of a crime that occurred on its
premises;
31.32. To
the State Health Commissioner pursuant to § 32.1-48.015 when such records are
those of a person or persons who are subject to an order of quarantine or an
order of isolation pursuant to Article 3.02 (§ 32.1-48.05 et seq.) of Chapter 2
of this title; and
32.33. To
the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry or his designee by
each licensed emergency medical services agency when the records consist of the
prehospital patient care report required by § 32.1-116.1 and the patient has
suffered an injury or death on a work site while performing duties or tasks that
are within the scope of his employment.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions 1 through 32 of this subsection, a health care entity shall obtain an individual's written authorization for any disclosure of psychotherapy notes, except when disclosure by the health care entity is (i) for its own training programs in which students, trainees, or practitioners in mental health are being taught under supervision to practice or to improve their skills in group, joint, family, or individual counseling; (ii) to defend itself or its employees or staff against any accusation of wrongful conduct; (iii) in the discharge of the duty, in accordance with subsection B of § 54.1-2400.1, to take precautions to protect third parties from violent behavior or other serious harm; (iv) required in the course of an investigation, audit, review, or proceeding regarding a health care entity's conduct by a duly authorized law-enforcement, licensure, accreditation, or professional review entity; or (v) otherwise required by law.
E. Requests for copies of health records shall (i) be in writing, dated and signed by the requester; (ii) identify the nature of the information requested; and (iii) include evidence of the authority of the requester to receive such copies and identification of the person to whom the information is to be disclosed. The health care entity shall accept a photocopy, facsimile, or other copy of the original signed by the requestor as if it were an original. Within 15 days of receipt of a request for copies of health records, the health care entity shall do one of the following: (i) furnish such copies to any requester authorized to receive them; (ii) inform the requester if the information does not exist or cannot be found; (iii) if the health care entity does not maintain a record of the information, so inform the requester and provide the name and address, if known, of the health care entity who maintains the record; or (iv) deny the request (a) under subsection F, (b) on the grounds that the requester has not established his authority to receive such health records or proof of his identity, or (c) as otherwise provided by law. Procedures set forth in this section shall apply only to requests for health records not specifically governed by other provisions of state law.
F. Except as provided in subsection B of § 8.01-413, copies of an individual's health records shall not be furnished to such individual or anyone authorized to act on the individual's behalf when the individual's treating physician or the individual's treating clinical psychologist has made a part of the individual's record a written statement that, in the exercise of his professional judgment, the furnishing to or review by the individual of such health records would be reasonably likely to endanger the life or physical safety of the individual or another person, or that such health record makes reference to a person other than a health care provider and the access requested would be reasonably likely to cause substantial harm to such referenced person. If any health care entity denies a request for copies of health records based on such statement, the health care entity shall inform the individual of the individual's right to designate, in writing, at his own expense, another reviewing physician or clinical psychologist, whose licensure, training and experience relative to the individual's condition are at least equivalent to that of the physician or clinical psychologist upon whose opinion the denial is based. The designated reviewing physician or clinical psychologist shall make a judgment as to whether to make the health record available to the individual.
The health care entity denying the request shall also inform the individual of the individual's right to request in writing that such health care entity designate, at its own expense, a physician or clinical psychologist, whose licensure, training, and experience relative to the individual's condition are at least equivalent to that of the physician or clinical psychologist upon whose professional judgment the denial is based and who did not participate in the original decision to deny the health records, who shall make a judgment as to whether to make the health record available to the individual. The health care entity shall comply with the judgment of the reviewing physician or clinical psychologist. The health care entity shall permit copying and examination of the health record by such other physician or clinical psychologist designated by either the individual at his own expense or by the health care entity at its expense.
Any health record copied for review by any such designated physician or clinical psychologist shall be accompanied by a statement from the custodian of the health record that the individual's treating physician or clinical psychologist determined that the individual's review of his health record would be reasonably likely to endanger the life or physical safety of the individual or would be reasonably likely to cause substantial harm to a person referenced in the health record who is not a health care provider.
Further, nothing herein shall be construed as giving, or interpreted to bestow the right to receive copies of, or otherwise obtain access to, psychotherapy notes to any individual or any person authorized to act on his behalf.
G. A written authorization to allow release of an individual's health records shall substantially include the following information:
AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE CONFIDENTIAL HEALTH RECORDS
Individual's Name ............
Health Care Entity's Name ............
Person, Agency, or Health Care Entity to whom disclosure is to
be made ............
Information or Health Records to be disclosed ............
Purpose of Disclosure or at the Request of the Individual ............
As the person signing this authorization, I understand that I am giving my
permission to the above-named health care entity for disclosure of
confidential health records. I understand that the health care entity may not
condition treatment or payment on my willingness to sign this authorization
unless the specific circumstances under which such conditioning is permitted
by law are applicable and are set forth in this authorization. I also
understand that I have the right to revoke this authorization at any time, but
that my revocation is not effective until delivered in writing to the person
who is in possession of my health records and is not effective as to health
records already disclosed under this authorization. A copy of this
authorization and a notation concerning the persons or agencies to whom
disclosure was made shall be included with my original health records. I
understand that health information disclosed under this authorization might be
redisclosed by a recipient and may, as a result of such disclosure, no longer
be protected to the same extent as such health information was protected by
law while solely in the possession of the health care entity.
This authorization expires on (date) or (event) ............
Signature of Individual or Individual's Legal Representative if Individual is
Unable to Sign ............
Relationship or Authority of Legal Representative ............
Date of Signature ............
H. Pursuant to this subsection:
1. Unless excepted from these provisions in subdivision 9 of this subsection, no party to a civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding shall request the issuance of a subpoena duces tecum for another party's health records or cause a subpoena duces tecum to be issued by an attorney unless a copy of the request for the subpoena or a copy of the attorney-issued subpoena is provided to the other party's counsel or to the other party if pro se, simultaneously with filing the request or issuance of the subpoena. No party to an action or proceeding shall request or cause the issuance of a subpoena duces tecum for the health records of a nonparty witness unless a copy of the request for the subpoena or a copy of the attorney-issued subpoena is provided to the nonparty witness simultaneously with filing the request or issuance of the attorney-issued subpoena.
No subpoena duces tecum for health records shall set a return date earlier than 15 days from the date of the subpoena except by order of a court or administrative agency for good cause shown. When a court or administrative agency directs that health records be disclosed pursuant to a subpoena duces tecum earlier than 15 days from the date of the subpoena, a copy of the order shall accompany the subpoena.
Any party requesting a subpoena duces tecum for health records or on whose behalf the subpoena duces tecum is being issued shall have the duty to determine whether the individual whose health records are being sought is pro se or a nonparty.
In instances where health records being subpoenaed are those of a pro se party or nonparty witness, the party requesting or issuing the subpoena shall deliver to the pro se party or nonparty witness together with the copy of the request for subpoena, or a copy of the subpoena in the case of an attorney-issued subpoena, a statement informing them of their rights and remedies. The statement shall include the following language and the heading shall be in boldface capital letters:
NOTICE TO INDIVIDUAL
The attached document means that (insert name of party requesting or causing issuance of the subpoena) has either asked the court or administrative agency to issue a subpoena or a subpoena has been issued by the other party's attorney to your doctor, other health care providers (names of health care providers inserted here) or other health care entity (name of health care entity to be inserted here) requiring them to produce your health records. Your doctor, other health care provider or other health care entity is required to respond by providing a copy of your health records. If you believe your health records should not be disclosed and object to their disclosure, you have the right to file a motion with the clerk of the court or the administrative agency to quash the subpoena. If you elect to file a motion to quash, such motion must be filed within 15 days of the date of the request or of the attorney-issued subpoena. You may contact the clerk's office or the administrative agency to determine the requirements that must be satisfied when filing a motion to quash and you may elect to contact an attorney to represent your interest. If you elect to file a motion to quash, you must notify your doctor, other health care provider(s), or other health care entity, that you are filing the motion so that the health care provider or health care entity knows to send the health records to the clerk of court or administrative agency in a sealed envelope or package for safekeeping while your motion is decided.
2. Any party filing a request for a subpoena duces tecum or causing such a subpoena to be issued for an individual's health records shall include a Notice in the same part of the request in which the recipient of the subpoena duces tecum is directed where and when to return the health records. Such notice shall be in boldface capital letters and shall include the following language:
NOTICE TO HEALTH CARE ENTITIES
A COPY OF THIS SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO THE INDIVIDUAL WHOSE HEALTH RECORDS ARE BEING REQUESTED OR HIS COUNSEL. YOU OR THAT INDIVIDUAL HAS THE RIGHT TO FILE A MOTION TO QUASH (OBJECT TO) THE ATTACHED SUBPOENA. IF YOU ELECT TO FILE A MOTION TO QUASH, YOU MUST FILE THE MOTION WITHIN 15 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS SUBPOENA.
YOU MUST NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUBPOENA UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED WRITTEN CERTIFICATION FROM THE PARTY ON WHOSE BEHALF THE SUBPOENA WAS ISSUED THAT THE TIME FOR FILING A MOTION TO QUASH HAS ELAPSED AND THAT:
NO MOTION TO QUASH WAS FILED; OR
ANY MOTION TO QUASH HAS BEEN RESOLVED BY THE COURT OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY AND THE DISCLOSURES SOUGHT ARE CONSISTENT WITH SUCH RESOLUTION.
IF YOU RECEIVE NOTICE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL WHOSE HEALTH RECORDS ARE BEING REQUESTED HAS FILED A MOTION TO QUASH THIS SUBPOENA, OR IF YOU FILE A MOTION TO QUASH THIS SUBPOENA, YOU MUST SEND THE HEALTH RECORDS ONLY TO THE CLERK OF THE COURT OR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY THAT ISSUED THE SUBPOENA OR IN WHICH THE ACTION IS PENDING AS SHOWN ON THE SUBPOENA USING THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE:
PLACE THE HEALTH RECORDS IN A SEALED ENVELOPE AND ATTACH TO THE SEALED ENVELOPE A COVER LETTER TO THE CLERK OF COURT OR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY WHICH STATES THAT CONFIDENTIAL HEALTH RECORDS ARE ENCLOSED AND ARE TO BE HELD UNDER SEAL PENDING A RULING ON THE MOTION TO QUASH THE SUBPOENA. THE SEALED ENVELOPE AND THE COVER LETTER SHALL BE PLACED IN AN OUTER ENVELOPE OR PACKAGE FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE COURT OR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY.
3. Upon receiving a valid subpoena duces tecum for health records, health care entities shall have the duty to respond to the subpoena in accordance with the provisions of subdivisions 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of this subsection.
4. Except to deliver to a clerk of the court or administrative agency subpoenaed health records in a sealed envelope as set forth, health care entities shall not respond to a subpoena duces tecum for such health records until they have received a certification as set forth in subdivision 5 or 8 of this subsection from the party on whose behalf the subpoena duces tecum was issued.
If the health care entity has actual receipt of notice that a motion to quash the subpoena has been filed or if the health care entity files a motion to quash the subpoena for health records, then the health care entity shall produce the health records, in a securely sealed envelope, to the clerk of the court or administrative agency issuing the subpoena or in whose court or administrative agency the action is pending. The court or administrative agency shall place the health records under seal until a determination is made regarding the motion to quash. The securely sealed envelope shall only be opened on order of the judge or administrative agency. In the event the court or administrative agency grants the motion to quash, the health records shall be returned to the health care entity in the same sealed envelope in which they were delivered to the court or administrative agency. In the event that a judge or administrative agency orders the sealed envelope to be opened to review the health records in camera, a copy of the order shall accompany any health records returned to the health care entity. The health records returned to the health care entity shall be in a securely sealed envelope.
5. If no motion to quash is filed within 15 days of the date of the request or of the attorney-issued subpoena, the party on whose behalf the subpoena was issued shall have the duty to certify to the subpoenaed health care entity that the time for filing a motion to quash has elapsed and that no motion to quash was filed. Any health care entity receiving such certification shall have the duty to comply with the subpoena duces tecum by returning the specified health records by either the return date on the subpoena or five days after receipt of the certification, whichever is later.
6. In the event that the individual whose health records are being sought files a motion to quash the subpoena, the court or administrative agency shall decide whether good cause has been shown by the discovering party to compel disclosure of the individual's health records over the individual's objections. In determining whether good cause has been shown, the court or administrative agency shall consider (i) the particular purpose for which the information was collected; (ii) the degree to which the disclosure of the records would embarrass, injure, or invade the privacy of the individual; (iii) the effect of the disclosure on the individual's future health care; (iv) the importance of the information to the lawsuit or proceeding; and (v) any other relevant factor.
7. Concurrent with the court or administrative agency's resolution of a motion to quash, if subpoenaed health records have been submitted by a health care entity to the court or administrative agency in a sealed envelope, the court or administrative agency shall: (i) upon determining that no submitted health records should be disclosed, return all submitted health records to the health care entity in a sealed envelope; (ii) upon determining that all submitted health records should be disclosed, provide all the submitted health records to the party on whose behalf the subpoena was issued; or (iii) upon determining that only a portion of the submitted health records should be disclosed, provide such portion to the party on whose behalf the subpoena was issued and return the remaining health records to the health care entity in a sealed envelope.
8. Following the court or administrative agency's resolution of a motion to quash, the party on whose behalf the subpoena duces tecum was issued shall have the duty to certify in writing to the subpoenaed health care entity a statement of one of the following:
a. All filed motions to quash have been resolved by the court or administrative agency and the disclosures sought in the subpoena duces tecum are consistent with such resolution; and, therefore, the health records previously delivered in a sealed envelope to the clerk of the court or administrative agency will not be returned to the health care entity;
b. All filed motions to quash have been resolved by the court or administrative agency and the disclosures sought in the subpoena duces tecum are consistent with such resolution and that, since no health records have previously been delivered to the court or administrative agency by the health care entity, the health care entity shall comply with the subpoena duces tecum by returning the health records designated in the subpoena by the return date on the subpoena or five days after receipt of certification, whichever is later;
c. All filed motions to quash have been resolved by the court or administrative agency and the disclosures sought in the subpoena duces tecum are not consistent with such resolution; therefore, no health records shall be disclosed and all health records previously delivered in a sealed envelope to the clerk of the court or administrative agency will be returned to the health care entity;
d. All filed motions to quash have been resolved by the court or administrative agency and the disclosures sought in the subpoena duces tecum are not consistent with such resolution and that only limited disclosure has been authorized. The certification shall state that only the portion of the health records as set forth in the certification, consistent with the court or administrative agency's ruling, shall be disclosed. The certification shall also state that health records that were previously delivered to the court or administrative agency for which disclosure has been authorized will not be returned to the health care entity; however, all health records for which disclosure has not been authorized will be returned to the health care entity; or
e. All filed motions to quash have been resolved by the court or administrative agency and the disclosures sought in the subpoena duces tecum are not consistent with such resolution and, since no health records have previously been delivered to the court or administrative agency by the health care entity, the health care entity shall return only those health records specified in the certification, consistent with the court or administrative agency's ruling, by the return date on the subpoena or five days after receipt of the certification, whichever is later.
A copy of the court or administrative agency's ruling shall accompany any certification made pursuant to this subdivision.
9. The provisions of this subsection have no application to subpoenas for health records requested under § 8.01-413, or issued by a duly authorized administrative agency conducting an investigation, audit, review or proceedings regard
Additional Data
Explanation
This is the actual text of the bill — the legislation itself. Generally this is amending existing law, proposing the addition or removal of words from laws that are already on the books.
Words that are highlighted in yellow are
proposed additions, and words that are crossed out in
red are proposed removals.
The numbers with the § symbol before them are references to existing laws, and if you click on them they’ll take you to that part of the law on the state's website.
