32.1-70 - Information from hospitals, clinics, certain laboratories and physicians supplied to Commissioner; statewide cancer registry.
§ 32.1-70. Information from hospitals, clinics, certain laboratories andphysicians supplied to Commissioner; statewide cancer registry.
A. Each hospital, clinic and independent pathology laboratory shall makeavailable to the Commissioner or his agents information on patients havingmalignant tumors or cancers. A physician shall report information on patientshaving cancers unless he has determined that a hospital, clinic or in-statepathology laboratory has reported the information. This reporting requirementshall not apply to basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Suchinformation shall include the name, address, sex, race, diagnosis and anyother pertinent identifying information regarding each such patient and shallinclude information regarding possible exposure to Agent Orange or otherdefoliants through their development, testing or use or through service inthe Vietnam War. Each hospital, clinic, independent pathology laboratory, orphysician shall provide other available clinical information as defined bythe Board of Health.
B. From such information the Commissioner shall establish and maintain astatewide cancer registry. The purpose of the statewide cancer registry shallinclude but not be limited to:
1. Determining means of improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancerpatients.
2. Determining the need for and means of providing better long-term,follow-up care of cancer patients.
2a. Conducting epidemiological analyses of the incidence, prevalence,survival, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of cancer inVirginia.
3. Collecting data to evaluate the possible carcinogenic effects ofenvironmental hazards including exposure to dioxin and the defoliant, AgentOrange.
4. Improving rehabilitative programs for cancer patients.
5. Assisting in the training of hospital personnel.
6. Determining other needs of cancer patients and health personnel.
(Code 1950, § 32-388; 1950, p. 187; 1978, c. 792; 1979, c. 711; 1988, cc.447, 459, 843; 1998, c. 315.)