§ 32.1-291.7 — Refusal to make anatomical gift; effect of refusal

Virginia § 32.1-291.7

• Jurisdiction: Virginia
• Title 32.1: HEALTH
• Ch. 8: POSTMORTEM EXAMINATIONS AND SERVICES
• Art. 2: ANATOMICAL GIFTS

Text

A. An individual may refuse to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part by:

1. A record signed by:

a. The individual; or

b. Subject to subsection B, another individual acting at the direction of the individual if the individual is physically unable to sign;

2. The individual's will, whether or not the will is admitted to probate or invalidated after the individual's death; or

3. Any form of communication made by the individual during the individual's terminal illness or injury addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness.

B. A record signed pursuant to subdivision A 1 b shall:

1. Be witnessed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the individual; and

2. State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in subdivision 1.

C. An individual who has made a refusal may amend or revoke the refusal:

1. In the manner provided in subsection A for making a refusal;

2. By subsequently making an anatomical gift pursuant to § 32.1-291.5 that is inconsistent with the refusal; or

3. By destroying or canceling the record evidencing the refusal, or the portion of the record used to make the refusal, with the intent to revoke the refusal.

D. Except as otherwise provided in subsection H of § 32.1-291.8, in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the individual set forth in the refusal, an individual's unrevoked refusal to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part bars all other persons from making an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part.

Legislative History

2007, cc. 92, 907.