CHAPTER 434

An Act to provide for a study by the State Council of Higher Education
for Virginia of the need for a medical school in the Tidewater area,
and to appropriate funds.

[fH 229]

Approved March 31, 1962

Whereas, the population of Virginia is steadily increasing; and

Whereas, a vast increase in population is taking place in the Tidewater
area of the State, which has a low ratio of physicians in relationship to
the population; and

Whereas, there is great interest among the medical profession and
the people of Tidewater Virginia in providing accurate data on the need
for a private medical college in Tidewater Virginia; and

Whereas, there is prospect of attracting substantial and adequate
private financing for a private medical college should a study made by
an authoritative group indicate the need for same; and
Whereas, the State Council of Higher Education is well qualified to
make such a study; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: =.
1. That the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is hereby
directed to make a careful and comprehensive study of the feasibility and
advisability of establishing a school of medicine in the Tidewater area. The
study shall include consideration of the number of physicians required to
serve the population in that area, the extent to which the existing medical
schools are meeting the needs of this area, the ability of the area involved
to contribute to and support a school of medicine from the standpoint of
clinical facilities, students, land and related facilities and the other require-
ments incident to and connected with the establishment and operation of
an approved school of medicine. The Council shall consider in its study
the question of affiliation by such a medical school, if recommended, with
an existing State-supported college or university. In addition to the fore-
going, the Council shall investigate such other matters in relation thereto
as it deems appropriate. The Council shall conclude its study and make its
report to the Governor and General Assembly not later than July one,
nineteen hundred sixty-three.
2. There is hereby appropriated from the general fund of the State
treasury the sum of three thousand dollars to be expended by the State
prin of Higher Education for Virginia in complying with the provisions
of this act.