CHAPTER 168

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
46.1-26.1, to provide for the creation of a Medical Advisory Board
to act as a consultant body to the Division of Motor Vehicles. _
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
46.1-26.1, as follows:

§ 46.1-26.1. (a) For the purpose of enabling the Division of Motor
Vehicles to comply with the provisions of § 46.1-361 and its responsibili-
ties under the provisions of Title 46.1 of the Code of Virginia, there is
hereby created a Medical Advisory Board for the Division to consist of
seven qualified and practicing physicians appointed by the Governor.
Members of the Board shall be appointed initially as follows: three mem-
bers to serve for two year terms and four members to serve for four
year terms. Thereafter appointments shall be for four year terms and
vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of a
term. The Governor shall designate the chairman of the Board.

(b) The Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles may refer
to the Board for an advisory opinion, the case of any person applying for
an operator’s or chauffeur’s license or renewal thereof, or of any person
whose license has been suspended or revoked, or of any person being
examined under the provisions of §§ 46.1-383 and 46.1-383.1, when he
has cause to believe that such person suffers from such physical or mental
disability or disease as will serve to prevent such person from exercising
reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle while operating the
same upon the highways. In addition the Board shall assist the Commis-
sioner through the development of medical and health standards for use
in the issuance of operators’ and chauffeurs’ licenses by the Division of
Motor Vehicles so as to avoid the issuance of licenses to those persons
suffering from such physical or mental disability or disease that will
serve to prevent them from exercising reasonable and ordinary control
over a motor vehicle while operating the same upon the highways.

(c) The Board shall meet at the pleasure of the Commissioner of
the Division of Motor Vehicles. Each member shall receive as compensa-
tion forty dollars a day for each day spent in the performance of his
duties and be reimbursed for his necessary expenses, such payments to
be made from funds appropriated to the Division of Motor Vehicles.