Chap. 205.—An ACT to amend the Code of Virginia by adding thereto a new
section numbered 1639-a, regulating the practice of medicine, dentistry and
optometry in connection with commercial and mercantile establishments, and
prescribing penalties. {H 354]

Approved March 12, 1948

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding thereto
a new section, numbered sixteen hundred thirty-nine-a as follows:

Section 1639-a. It shall be unlawful for any physician, dentist
or optometrist to practice his profession as a lessee of any com-
mercial or mercantile establishment, or to advertise, either in
person or through any commercial or mercantile establishment,
that he is a duly registered practitioner and is practicing or will
practice medicine, dentistry or optometry as a lessee of any such
commercial or mercantile establishment. But nothing herein shall
be construed to prohibit or prevent the rendering of professional
services to the officers and employees of any person, firm or cor-
poration by a physician, dentist or optometrist, whether or not the
compensation for such service is paid by the officers and employees,
or by the employer, or jointly by all or any of them. Any physician,
dentist or optometrist who shall violate any of the provisions of
this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished
accordingly.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as repealing sub-
sections (j) and (k) of subdivision two of section sixteen hundred
thirty-five of the Code of Virginia, as amended by chapter four
hundred forty-two of the Acts of Assembly of nineteen hundred
thirty-eight.