                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

INFORMATION FROM HOSPITALS, CLINICS, CERTAIN LABORATORIES AND PHYSICIANS
SUPPLIED TO COMMISSIONER; STATEWIDE CANCER REGISTRY (§ 32.1-70)

A. Each hospital, clinic and independent pathology laboratory shall make
available to the Commissioner or his agents information on patients having
malignant tumors or cancers. A physician shall report information on patients
having cancers unless he has determined that a hospital, clinic or in-state
pathology laboratory has reported the information. This reporting requirement
shall not apply to basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Such
information shall include the name, address, sex, race, diagnosis and any other
pertinent identifying information regarding each such patient and shall include
information regarding possible exposure to Agent Orange or other defoliants
through their development, testing or use or through service in the Vietnam War.
Each hospital, clinic, independent pathology laboratory, or physician shall
provide other available clinical information as defined by the Board of Health.

B. From such information the Commissioner shall establish and maintain a
statewide cancer registry. The purpose of the statewide cancer registry shall
include but not be limited to:

   1. Determining means of improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
   patients.

   2. Determining the need for and means of providing better long-term, follow-up
   care of cancer patients.

   3. Conducting epidemiological analyses of the incidence, prevalence, survival,
   and risk factors associated with the occurrence of cancer in Virginia.

   4. Collecting data to evaluate the possible carcinogenic effects of
   environmental hazards including exposure to dioxin and the defoliant, Agent
   Orange.

   5. Collecting data to evaluate potential links between exposure to fire
   incidents and cancer incidence.

   6. Improving rehabilitative programs for cancer patients.

   7. Assisting in the training of hospital personnel.

   8. Determining other needs of cancer patients and health personnel.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 32-388; 1950, p. 187; 1978, c. 792; 1979, c. 711; 1988,
cc. 447, 459, 843; 1998, c. 315; 2018, c. 459.