The 4 Most Important Pieces of 2017 Legislation for Virginia Healthcare Providers

By Taylor D. Brewer

The following bills were passed during the 2017 legislative session and will be in effect as of July 1, 2017:

HB2153: Allows Virginia health care providers to recognize Durable Do Not Resuscitate Orders that were validly executed in other states

HB1514/SB1024: Provides immunity from civil liability to any health care provider who reports to DMV that an individual’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is affected by a mental or physical disability

HB1786/SB 1086: Healthcare providers must report:

• A finding within 6 weeks of birth that a child was born affected by substance abuse or experiencing withdrawal symptoms from drug exposure in utero;
• A diagnosis within 4 years following birth that a child has an illness which, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, is due to maternal abuse of a controlled substance during pregnancy; and
• A diagnosis within 4 years following birth that a child has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder due to alcohol exposure in utero.

HB1921/SB 973: Conviction of assault and battery against any healthcare provider rendering care at a hospital, emergency room, or clinic carries a term of 15 days in jail with 2 days being a mandatory minimum.

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