Virginia Law

Article 5. Venereal Diseases.

As used in this article, "venereal disease" includes syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum and any other sexually transmittable disease determined by the Board to be dangerous to the public health.

Code 1950, § 32-90; 1979, c. 711.

From such funds as are appropriated for this purpose, the Board of Health shall make available in all health services areas of the Commonwealth anonymous testing for infection with human immunodeficiency virus.

1989, c. 613.

It shall be the duty of every physician or other person who examines or treats a person having a venereal disease to provide such person with information about the disease, including, as a minimum, the nature of the disease, methods of treatment, measures used in preventing the spread of such disease, and the necessity of tests to ensure that a cure has been accomplished.

Code 1950, § 32-92; 1979, c. 711.

A. A local health director may require any person suspected of being infected with any venereal disease to submit to examination, testing and treatment if necessary.

B. If any such person refuses to submit to an examination, testing or treatment or to continue treatment until found to be cured by proper test, the local health director may apply to the appropriate circuit court for an order compelling such examination, testing or treatment. Any person willfully failing to comply with such order shall be punishable as for contempt of court.

C. If a person infected with venereal disease is required by the local health director to receive treatment therefor and such person receives such treatment from the local health department, no fee shall be charged.

Code 1950, § 32-93; 1979, c. 711; 1988, c. 399.

Each person convicted of a violation of § 18.2-346, 18.2-346.01, or 18.2-361 shall be examined and tested for venereal disease and treated if necessary.

Code 1950, § 32-94; 1979, c. 711; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 188.

Every person admitted to any state correctional institution and every person admitted to a state hospital or training center operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall be examined and tested for venereal disease. If the person is found to be infected with a venereal disease, the person in charge of such institution or state hospital or training center shall promptly provide treatment and shall report such case as provided in § 32.1-37.

Code 1950, § 32-104; 1979, c. 711; 2012, cc. 476, 507.

Every physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse attending a pregnant woman during gestation shall examine and test such woman for such venereal diseases as the Board may designate within 15 days after beginning such attendance. Every other person permitted by law to attend upon pregnant women but not permitted by law to make such examinations and tests shall cause such examinations and tests to be made by a licensed physician, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or clinic. Serological tests required by this section may be performed by the Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS).

Code 1950, § 32-104.1; 1950, p. 108; 1979, c. 711; 1980, c. 184; 1984, c. 140; 1993, c. 364; 2004, c. 855; 2006, c. 396; 2023, c. 183.