CHAPTER 71

An Act to amend and reenact § 82-187 of the Code of Virginia, relating
to the authorization of consent to surgical and medical treatment of
certain persons under twenty-one years of age. CH 147]

Approved February 27, 1968

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
ba That § 32-137 of the Code of Virginia be amended and reenacted as

ollows:

§ 32-137. Authority to consent to surgical and medical treatment
of certain persons under age.—Whenever any person who is under twenty-
one years of age and who has been separated from the custody of his
parent or guardian is in need of surgical or medical treatment, authority,
commensurate with that of a parent in like cases, is conferred, for the
purpose of giving consent to such surgical or medical treatment, as follows:

(1) Upon judges and trial justices with respect to children whose
custody is within the control of their respective courts,

(2) Upon the Commissioner of Public Welfare with respect to any
ward of the Board of Welfare and Institutions.

(3) Upon the principal executive officers of State institutions with
respect to the wards of such institutions, and

(4) Upon the principal executive officer of any other institution or
agency legally qualified to receive children for care and maintenance
separated from their parents or guardians, with respect to any child
whose custody is within the control of such institution or agency.

(5) Any nerson eighteen years or older who has been separated from
the custody of his parent or guardian, and whose custody is not within
the control of the courts or institutions hereinabove enumerated, who is
in need of surgical or medical treatment may consent to such surgical or
medical treatment.