§ 54.1-2992 Preservation of existing rights
The provisions of this article are cumulative with existing law and shall not be construed to modify an individual’s right to consent or refuse to consent to medical treatment if he is capable of making an informed decision, or to alter or limit the authority that otherwise exists under the common law, statutes or regulations of the Commonwealth (i) of a health care provider to provide health care; or (ii) of a person’s agent, guardian or other legally authorized representative to make decisions on behalf of a person who is incapable of making an informed decision. The provisions of this article shall not impair any existing rights or responsibilities which a health care provider, a patient, including a minor or incapacitated patient, or a patient’s family may have in regard to the providing, continuing, withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging medical procedures under the common law or statutes of the Commonwealth; however, this section shall not be construed to authorize violations of § 54.1-2990.
History
This law was first created in 1983. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 532 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1983 “Acts” aren’t available online. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1988, chapter 765; in 1992, chapters 748 and 772; in 1997, chapter 801; in 2000, chapters 590 and 598; in 2009, chapters 211 and 268.
1983, c. 532, § 54-325.8:12; 1988, c. 765; 1992, cc. 748, 772; 1997, c. 801; 2000, cc. 590, 598; 2009, cc. 211, 268.