                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFINITIONS (§ 37.2-1100)

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
		&#8220;Disorder&#8221; includes any physical or mental disorder or impairment,
whether caused by injury, disease, genetics, or other cause.
		&#8220;Incapable of making an informed decision&#8221; means unable to
understand the nature, extent, or probable consequences of a proposed treatment
or unable to make a rational evaluation of the risks and benefits of the
proposed treatment as compared with the risks and benefits of alternatives to
the treatment. Persons with dysphasia or other communication disorders who are
mentally competent and able to communicate shall not be considered incapable of
giving informed consent.
		&#8220;Treatment&#8221; includes the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of
a specific treatment or course of treatment upon a showing that the requirements
of subsection G of § 37.2-1101 have been met.

HISTORY: 1997, c. 921, § 37.1-134.21; 1999, cc. 814, 946, 985; 2003, c. 790;
2004, cc. 66, 104, 1014; 2005, cc. 716, 751.