§ 32.1-291.12. Search and notification

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Code of Virginia
Title 32.1. Health
Chapter 8. Postmortem Examinations and Services

4/15/2026

§ 32.1-291.12. Search and notification.

A. The following persons shall make a reasonable search of an individual who the person reasonably believes is dead or whose death is imminent for a document of gift or other information identifying the individual as a donor or as an individual who made a refusal:

1. A law-enforcement officer, a firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, or other emergency rescuer finding the individual; and

2. If no other source of the information is immediately available, a hospital, as soon as practical after the individual's arrival at the hospital.

B. If a document of gift or a refusal to make an anatomical gift is located by the search required by subdivision A 1 and the individual or deceased individual to whom it relates is taken to a hospital, the person responsible for conducting the search shall send the document of gift or refusal to the hospital.

C. A person is not subject to criminal or civil liability for failing to discharge the duties imposed by this section but may be subject to administrative sanctions.

2007, cc. 92, 907; 2015, cc. 502, 503.