{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/32.1-127.1_01.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/32.1-127.1_01.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/32.1-127.1_01.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/32.1-127.1_01.html"}],"law_id":81314,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81314,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:01","catch_line":"Record storage","history":"1994, c. 390; 1998, c. 470; 2012, c. 336.","full_text":"A\n\nHealth records, as defined in &#xA7; 32.1-127.1:03, may be stored by computerized or other electronic process or microfilm, or other photographic, mechanical, or chemical process; however, the stored record shall identify the location of any documents or information that could not be so technologically stored. If the technological storage process creates an unalterable record, the nursing facility, hospital or other licensed health care provider shall not be required to maintain paper copies of health records that have been stored by computerized or other electronic process, microfilm, or other photographic, mechanical, or chemical process. Upon completing such technological storage, paper copies of health records may be destroyed in a manner that preserves the patient&#8217;s confidentiality. However, any documents or information that could not be so technologically stored shall be preserved.B\n\nNotwithstanding the authority of this section to copy health records in the form of microfilm, prescription dispensing records maintained in or on behalf of any pharmacy registered or permitted in Virginia shall only be stored in compliance with &#xA7;&#xA7; 54.1-3410, 54.1-3411, and 54.1-3412.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":291424,"text":"Health records, as defined in &#xA7; 32.1-127.1:03, may be stored by computerized or other electronic process or microfilm, or other photographic, mechanical, or chemical process; however, the stored record shall identify the location of any documents or information that could not be so technologically stored. If the technological storage process creates an unalterable record, the nursing facility, hospital or other licensed health care provider shall not be required to maintain paper copies of health records that have been stored by computerized or other electronic process, microfilm, or other photographic, mechanical, or chemical process. Upon completing such technological storage, paper copies of health records may be destroyed in a manner that preserves the patient&#8217;s confidentiality. However, any documents or information that could not be so technologically stored shall be preserved.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":291425,"text":"Notwithstanding the authority of this section to copy health records in the form of microfilm, prescription dispensing records maintained in or on behalf of any pharmacy registered or permitted in Virginia shall only be stored in compliance with &#xA7;&#xA7; 54.1-3410, 54.1-3411, and 54.1-3412.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12729,"edition_id":1,"name":"Hospital and Nursing Home Licensure and Inspection","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12728,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":202857,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12729,"identifier":"1","token":"32.1\/5\/1","url":"\/32.1\/5\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12728,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regulation of Medical Care Facilities and Services","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12727,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":202855,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12728,"identifier":"5","token":"32.1\/5","url":"\/32.1\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12727,"edition_id":1,"name":"Health","identifier":"32.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":201099,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12727,"identifier":"32.1","token":"32.1","url":"\/32.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":80727,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-123","catch_line":"(Effective January 1, 2026) Definitions","url":"\/32.1-123\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-123","metadata":false},{"id":75042,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-124","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/32.1-124\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-124","metadata":false},{"id":58545,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-125","catch_line":"Establishment or operation of hospitals and nursing homes prohibited without license or certification; licenses not transferable","url":"\/32.1-125\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125","metadata":false},{"id":63548,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-125.01","catch_line":"Failing to report; penalty","url":"\/32.1-125.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.01","metadata":false},{"id":59071,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-125.1","catch_line":"Inspection of hospitals by state agencies generally","url":"\/32.1-125.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.1","metadata":false},{"id":78537,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-125.2","catch_line":"Disclosure of other providers of services","url":"\/32.1-125.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.2","metadata":false},{"id":58917,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-125.3","catch_line":"Bed capacity and licensure in hospitals designated as critical access hospitals; designation as rural hospital","url":"\/32.1-125.3\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.3","metadata":false},{"id":55275,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-125.4","catch_line":"Retaliation or discrimination against complainants","url":"\/32.1-125.4\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.4","metadata":false},{"id":70129,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-125.5","catch_line":"Confidentiality of complainant's identity","url":"\/32.1-125.5\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-125.5","metadata":false},{"id":60850,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-126","catch_line":"Commissioner to inspect and to issue licenses to or assure compliance with certification requirements for hospitals, nursing homes, and certified nursing facilities; notice of denial of license; consultative advice and assistance; notice to electric utilities","url":"\/32.1-126\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126","metadata":false},{"id":77692,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-126.01","catch_line":"Employment for compensation of persons convicted of barrier crimes prohibited; criminal records check required; suspension or revocation of license","url":"\/32.1-126.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.01","metadata":false},{"id":57301,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-126.02","catch_line":"Hospital pharmacy employees; criminal records check required","url":"\/32.1-126.02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.02","metadata":false},{"id":71970,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-126.1","catch_line":"Asbestos inspection for hospitals","url":"\/32.1-126.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.1","metadata":false},{"id":65858,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-126.2","catch_line":"Fire suppression systems required in nursing facilities and nursing homes","url":"\/32.1-126.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.2","metadata":false},{"id":83484,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-126.3","catch_line":"Fire suppression systems required in hospitals","url":"\/32.1-126.3\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.3","metadata":false},{"id":70496,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-126.4","catch_line":"Hospital standing orders or protocols for certain vaccinations","url":"\/32.1-126.4\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.4","metadata":false},{"id":73579,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-126.5","catch_line":"Consolidation of inspections","url":"\/32.1-126.5\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-126.5","metadata":false},{"id":85883,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127","catch_line":"(Effective January 1, 2026) Regulations","url":"\/32.1-127\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127","metadata":false},{"id":71680,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.001","catch_line":"Certain design and construction standards to be incorporated in hospital and nursing home licensure regulations","url":"\/32.1-127.001\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.001","metadata":false},{"id":63277,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.01","catch_line":"Regulations to authorize certain disciplinary actions and guidelines","url":"\/32.1-127.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.01","metadata":false},{"id":71135,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1","catch_line":"Immunity from liability for routine referral for organ and tissue donation","url":"\/32.1-127.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1","metadata":false},{"id":81314,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:01","catch_line":"Record storage","url":"\/32.1-127.1_01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_01","metadata":false},{"id":56243,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:02","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-127.1_02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_02","metadata":false},{"id":58930,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:03","catch_line":"Health records privacy","url":"\/32.1-127.1_03\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_03","metadata":false},{"id":84892,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:04","catch_line":"Use or disclosure of certain protected health information required","url":"\/32.1-127.1_04\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_04","metadata":false},{"id":78997,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:05","catch_line":"Breach of medical information notification","url":"\/32.1-127.1_05\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_05","metadata":false},{"id":55917,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-127.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.2","metadata":false},{"id":77664,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.3","catch_line":"Immunity from liability for certain free health care services","url":"\/32.1-127.3\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.3","metadata":false},{"id":59266,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-128","catch_line":"Applicability to hospitals and nursing homes for practice of religious tenets","url":"\/32.1-128\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-128","metadata":false},{"id":70347,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-129","catch_line":"Application for license","url":"\/32.1-129\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-129","metadata":false},{"id":54055,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-130","catch_line":"Fees; Hospital and Nursing Home Licensure and Inspection Program Fund","url":"\/32.1-130\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-130","metadata":false},{"id":76878,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-131","catch_line":"Expiration and renewal of licenses","url":"\/32.1-131\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-131","metadata":false},{"id":83021,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-132","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2028) Alterations or additions to hospitals and nursing homes; when new license required; use of inpatient hospital beds for furnishing skilled care services","url":"\/32.1-132\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-132","metadata":false},{"id":81019,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-133","catch_line":"Display of license","url":"\/32.1-133\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-133","metadata":false},{"id":82010,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-133.1","catch_line":"Human trafficking hotline; posted notice required; civil penalty","url":"\/32.1-133.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-133.1","metadata":false},{"id":76056,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-134","catch_line":"Family planning information in hospitals providing maternity care","url":"\/32.1-134\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134","metadata":false},{"id":73607,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-134.01","catch_line":"Certain information required for maternity patients","url":"\/32.1-134.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.01","metadata":false},{"id":87288,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-134.02","catch_line":"Infants; blood sample provided to parents","url":"\/32.1-134.02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.02","metadata":false},{"id":70187,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-134.03","catch_line":"Maternal health; protocols and resources for hospitals and outpatient providers; report","url":"\/32.1-134.03\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.03","metadata":false},{"id":65119,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-134.1","catch_line":"When denial, etc., to duly licensed physician of staff membership or professional privileges improper","url":"\/32.1-134.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.1","metadata":false},{"id":71090,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-134.2","catch_line":"Clinical privileges for certain practitioners","url":"\/32.1-134.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.2","metadata":false},{"id":68078,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-134.3","catch_line":"Response to applications for clinical privileges","url":"\/32.1-134.3\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.3","metadata":false},{"id":55369,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-134.4","catch_line":"Right of podiatrists or advanced practice registered nurses to injunction","url":"\/32.1-134.4\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-134.4","metadata":false},{"id":75670,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-135","catch_line":"Revocation or suspension of license or certification of hospital or certified nursing facility; restriction or prohibition of new admissions to certified nursing facility","url":"\/32.1-135\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-135","metadata":false},{"id":77485,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-135.1","catch_line":"Certain advertisements prohibited","url":"\/32.1-135.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-135.1","metadata":false},{"id":83084,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-135.2","catch_line":"Offer or payment of remuneration in exchange for referral prohibited","url":"\/32.1-135.2\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-135.2","metadata":false},{"id":53943,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-136","catch_line":"Violation; penalties","url":"\/32.1-136\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-136","metadata":false},{"id":68332,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137","catch_line":"Certification of medical care facilities under Title XVIII of Social Security Act","url":"\/32.1-137\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137","metadata":false},{"id":59084,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.01","catch_line":"Posting of charity care policies","url":"\/32.1-137.01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.01","metadata":false},{"id":76816,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.010","catch_line":"Financial assistance; payment plans","url":"\/32.1-137.010\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.010","metadata":false},{"id":75514,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.011","catch_line":"Childbirth; postpartum process; doulas","url":"\/32.1-137.011\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.011","metadata":false},{"id":65869,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.02","catch_line":"Hospital discharge procedures","url":"\/32.1-137.02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.02","metadata":false},{"id":65455,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.03","catch_line":"Discharge planning; designation of individual to provide care","url":"\/32.1-137.03\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.03","metadata":false},{"id":79498,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.04","catch_line":"Patient notice of observation or outpatient status","url":"\/32.1-137.04\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.04","metadata":false},{"id":60024,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.05","catch_line":"Information regarding standard charges; advance estimate of patient payment amount for elective procedure, test, or service","url":"\/32.1-137.05\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.05","metadata":false},{"id":65804,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.06","catch_line":"Lyme disease test result information","url":"\/32.1-137.06\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.06","metadata":false},{"id":61126,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.07","catch_line":"Violations of certain provisions; penalty","url":"\/32.1-137.07\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.07","metadata":false},{"id":81633,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.08","catch_line":"Medical care facilities; persons with disabilities; designated support persons","url":"\/32.1-137.08\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.08","metadata":false},{"id":80169,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-137.09","catch_line":"Hospital emergency department CPT code data reporting","url":"\/32.1-137.09\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-137.09","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":71135,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1","catch_line":"Immunity from liability for routine referral for organ and tissue donation","url":"\/32.1-127.1\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":56243,"structure_id":12729,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:02","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-127.1_02\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_02","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/32.1-127.1:01\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1994. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?941+ful+CHAP0390\">390<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1998, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?981+ful+CHAP0470\">470<\/a>; in 2012, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?121+ful+CHAP0336\">336<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":58930,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:03","catch_line":"Health records privacy","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-127.1_03\/"},{"id":83740,"section_number":"54.1-3410","catch_line":"When pharmacist may sell and dispense drugs","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3410\/"},{"id":77643,"section_number":"54.1-3411","catch_line":"When prescriptions may be refilled","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3411\/"},{"id":79333,"section_number":"54.1-3412","catch_line":"Date of dispensing; initials of pharmacist; automated data processing system","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3412\/"}],"permalink":{"id":202943,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81314,"identifier":"32.1-127.1:01","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_01","url":"\/32.1-127.1_01\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/32.1-127.1_01\/","token":"32.1\/5\/1\/32.1-127.1_01","dublin_core":{"Title":"Record storage","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 32.1-127.1:01","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> Health records, as defined in &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Health records privacy\" href=\"\/32.1-127.1_03\/\">32.1-127.1:03<\/a>, may be stored by computerized or other electronic process or microfilm, or other photographic, mechanical, or chemical process; however, the stored record shall identify the location of any documents or information that could not be so technologically stored. If the technological storage process creates an unalterable record, the nursing facility, <span class=\"dictionary\">hospital<\/span> or other licensed health care provider shall not be required to maintain paper copies of health records that have been stored by computerized or other electronic process, microfilm, or other photographic, mechanical, or chemical process. Upon completing such technological storage, paper copies of health records may be destroyed in a manner that preserves the patient&#8217;s confidentiality. However, any documents or information that could not be so technologically stored shall be preserved. <a id=\"paragraph-291424\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/32.1-127.1_01\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> Notwithstanding the authority of this section to copy health records in the form of microfilm, prescription dispensing records maintained in or on behalf of any pharmacy registered or permitted in Virginia shall only be stored in compliance with &#xA7;&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"When pharmacist may sell and dispense drugs\" href=\"\/54.1-3410\/\">54.1-3410<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"When prescriptions may be refilled\" href=\"\/54.1-3411\/\">54.1-3411<\/a>, and <a class=\"law\" title=\"Date of dispensing; initials of pharmacist; automated data processing system\" href=\"\/54.1-3412\/\">54.1-3412<\/a>. <a id=\"paragraph-291425\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/32.1-127.1_01\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nRECORD STORAGE (\u00a7 32.1-127.1:01)\n\nA. Health records, as defined in &#xA7; 32.1-127.1:03, may be stored by\ncomputerized or other electronic process or microfilm, or other photographic,\nmechanical, or chemical process; however, the stored record shall identify the\nlocation of any documents or information that could not be so technologically\nstored. If the technological storage process creates an unalterable record, the\nnursing facility, hospital or other licensed health care provider shall not be\nrequired to maintain paper copies of health records that have been stored by\ncomputerized or other electronic process, microfilm, or other photographic,\nmechanical, or chemical process. Upon completing such technological storage,\npaper copies of health records may be destroyed in a manner that preserves the\npatient&#8217;s confidentiality. However, any documents or information that\ncould not be so technologically stored shall be preserved.\n\nB. Notwithstanding the authority of this section to copy health records in the\nform of microfilm, prescription dispensing records maintained in or on behalf of\nany pharmacy registered or permitted in Virginia shall only be stored in\ncompliance with &#xA7;&#xA7; 54.1-3410, 54.1-3411, and 54.1-3412.\n\nHISTORY: 1994, c. 390; 1998, c. 470; 2012, c. 336.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}