{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/32.1-291.12.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/32.1-291.12.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/32.1-291.12.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/32.1-291.12.html"}],"law_id":65447,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65447,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.12","catch_line":"Search and notification","history":"2007, cc. 92, 907; 2015, cc. 502, 503.","full_text":"A\n\nThe 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:1\n\nA law-enforcement officer, a firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, or other emergency rescuer finding the individual; and2\n\nIf no other source of the information is immediately available, a hospital, as soon as practical after the individual’s arrival at the hospital.B\n\nIf 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\n\nA 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.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":237979,"text":"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:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":237980,"text":"A law-enforcement officer, a firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, or other emergency rescuer finding the individual; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":237981,"text":"If no other source of the information is immediately available, a hospital, as soon as practical after the individual’s arrival at the hospital.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"B"},"3":{"id":237982,"text":"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.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"C"},"4":{"id":237983,"text":"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.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13613,"edition_id":1,"name":"Anatomical Gifts","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13612,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:23","permalink":{"id":204475,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13613,"identifier":"2","token":"32.1\/8\/2","url":"\/32.1\/8\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13612,"edition_id":1,"name":"Postmortem Examinations and Services","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12727,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:23","permalink":{"id":204383,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13612,"identifier":"8","token":"32.1\/8","url":"\/32.1\/8\/","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":58532,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-289","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-289\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-289","metadata":false},{"id":69229,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-289.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-289.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-289.1","metadata":false},{"id":71547,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-289.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-289.2\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-289.2","metadata":false},{"id":56571,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-290","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-290\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-290","metadata":false},{"id":76432,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-290.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-290.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-290.1","metadata":false},{"id":82334,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-291\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291","metadata":false},{"id":72836,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.1","catch_line":"Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act; 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penalty","url":"\/32.1-291.16\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.16","metadata":false},{"id":79538,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.17","catch_line":"Falsification, etc., of document of gift; penalty","url":"\/32.1-291.17\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.17","metadata":false},{"id":57960,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.18","catch_line":"Immunity","url":"\/32.1-291.18\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.18","metadata":false},{"id":63789,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.19","catch_line":"Law governing validity; choice of law as to execution of document of gift; presumption of validity","url":"\/32.1-291.19\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.19","metadata":false},{"id":74895,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.2","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/32.1-291.2\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.2","metadata":false},{"id":61695,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.20","catch_line":"Donor registry","url":"\/32.1-291.20\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.20","metadata":false},{"id":81426,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.21","catch_line":"Effect of anatomical gift on advance health-care directive","url":"\/32.1-291.21\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.21","metadata":false},{"id":57016,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.22","catch_line":"Cooperation between Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and procurement organization","url":"\/32.1-291.22\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.22","metadata":false},{"id":86843,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.23","catch_line":"Facilitation of anatomical gift from decedent whose body is under jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner","url":"\/32.1-291.23\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.23","metadata":false},{"id":84286,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.24","catch_line":"Uniformity of application and construction","url":"\/32.1-291.24\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.24","metadata":false},{"id":60244,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.25","catch_line":"Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act","url":"\/32.1-291.25\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.25","metadata":false},{"id":68993,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.3","catch_line":"Applicability of Act","url":"\/32.1-291.3\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.3","metadata":false},{"id":72158,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.4","catch_line":"Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death","url":"\/32.1-291.4\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.4","metadata":false},{"id":83682,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.5","catch_line":"Manner of making anatomical gift before donor's death","url":"\/32.1-291.5\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.5","metadata":false},{"id":70327,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.6","catch_line":"Amending or revoking anatomical gift before donor's death","url":"\/32.1-291.6\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.6","metadata":false},{"id":82942,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.7","catch_line":"Refusal to make anatomical gift; effect of refusal","url":"\/32.1-291.7\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.7","metadata":false},{"id":62874,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.8","catch_line":"Preclusive effect of anatomical gift, amendment, or revocation","url":"\/32.1-291.8\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.8","metadata":false},{"id":70357,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.9","catch_line":"Who may make anatomical gift of decedent's body or part","url":"\/32.1-291.9\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.9","metadata":false},{"id":62996,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-292","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-292\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-292","metadata":false},{"id":76221,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-292.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-292.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-292.1","metadata":false},{"id":58737,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-292.2","catch_line":"The Virginia Donor Registry","url":"\/32.1-292.2\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-292.2","metadata":false},{"id":71410,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-293","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-293\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-293","metadata":false},{"id":65568,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-294","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-294\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-294","metadata":false},{"id":56844,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-295","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-295\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-295","metadata":false},{"id":86743,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-296","catch_line":"Determination of death","url":"\/32.1-296\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-296","metadata":false},{"id":58963,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-297","catch_line":"Action for implied warranty in connection with transfer of blood or human tissue","url":"\/32.1-297\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-297","metadata":false},{"id":63591,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-297.1","catch_line":"The Virginia Transplant Council","url":"\/32.1-297.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-297.1","metadata":false},{"id":54581,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-297.2","catch_line":"Discrimination prohibited","url":"\/32.1-297.2\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-297.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":69568,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.11","catch_line":"Persons that may receive anatomical gift; purpose of anatomical gift","url":"\/32.1-291.11\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.11","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":67665,"structure_id":13613,"section_number":"32.1-291.13","catch_line":"Delivery of document of gift not required; right to examine","url":"\/32.1-291.13\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.13","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/32.1-291.12\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2007. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 92<\/a> and 907<\/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 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 2015, chapters 502<\/a> and 503<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":204513,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65447,"identifier":"32.1-291.12","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.12","url":"\/32.1-291.12\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/32.1-291.12\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.12","dublin_core":{"Title":"Search and notification","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 32.1-291.12","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The following persons<\/span> shall make a reasonable search of an individual who the person<\/span> 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: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> A law<\/span>-enforcement officer, a firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, or other emergency rescuer finding<\/span> the individual; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If no other source of the information is immediately available, a hospital, as soon as practical after the individual’s arrival at the hospital. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> 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<\/span> responsible for conducting the search shall send the document of gift or refusal to the hospital. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A person<\/span> 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<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSEARCH AND NOTIFICATION (\u00a7 32.1-291.12)\n\nA. The following persons shall make a reasonable search of an individual who the\nperson reasonably believes is dead or whose death is imminent for a document of\ngift or other information identifying the individual as a donor or as an\nindividual who made a refusal:\n\n 1. A law-enforcement officer, a firefighter, emergency medical services\n personnel, or other emergency rescuer finding the individual; and\n\n 2. If no other source of the information is immediately available, a hospital,\n as soon as practical after the individual’s arrival at the hospital.\n\nB. If a document of gift or a refusal to make an anatomical gift is located by\nthe search required by subdivision A 1 and the individual or deceased individual\nto whom it relates is taken to a hospital, the person responsible for conducting\nthe search shall send the document of gift or refusal to the hospital.\n\nC. A person is not subject to criminal or civil liability for failing to\ndischarge the duties imposed by this section but may be subject to\nadministrative sanctions.\n\nHISTORY: 2007, cc. 92, 907; 2015, cc. 502, 503.","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}}