Exposure to communicable diseases; first responders. (SB1107)
Introduced By
Sen. Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk) with support from co-patrons Sen. Emmett Hanger (R-Mount Solon), and Sen. Ryan McDougle (R-Mechanicsville)
Progress
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Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
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Signed by Governor |
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Became Law |
Description
Exposure to communicable diseases; first responders. Requires that if any first responder, including any (i) salaried or volunteer firefighter, paramedic, or emergency medical technician, (ii) member of the State Police Officers' Retirement System, (iii) member of county, city, or town police departments, (iv) sheriff or deputy sheriff, (v) Department of Emergency Management hazardous materials officer, (vi) city sergeant or deputy city sergeant of the City of Richmond, (vii) Virginia Marine Police officer, (viii) conservation police officer who is a full-time sworn member of the enforcement division of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, (ix) Capitol Police officer, (x) special agent of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or (xi) conservation officer of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, becomes exposed to another's body fluids in a manner that may transmit HIV or hepatitis, the other person will be deemed to have consented to testing for those viruses. Also, when a first responder is asked to transport someone with a communicable disease, this bill removes the transferring facility's discretion in deciding if the responder must be notified as to the general condition of the patient and any precautions to be taken, and instead always requires such notice. Amends § 32.1-116.3 (“Reporting of communicable diseases; definitions.”), § 32.1-45.1 (“Deemed consent to testing and release of test results related to infection with human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B or C viruses.”), of the Code of Virginia. View Full Text »
