Virginia Code 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:
Terms Used In Virginia Code 32.1-291.12
- Donor: The person who makes a gift.
- Gift: A voluntary transfer or conveyance of property without consideration, or for less than full and adequate consideration based on fair market value.
- Person: means an individual, corporation, partnership, or association or any other legal entity. See Virginia Code 32.1-3
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.