CHAPTER 547

An Act to create a Commission to study the advisability and feasibility
of utilizing certain medical facilities in Virginia for clinical instruc-
tion of medical students and for training of students in allied health
fields.

[S 461]
Approved April 4, 1968

Whereas, health manpower needs in this State and nationally are
not being met adequately ; and

Whereas, a great portion of the extremely high cost of a medical
education is related to the basic science education of medical students
in their first two years; and

Whereas, the cost of starting a completely new medical school pres-
ently is estimated to be seventy-five million dollars ; and

Whereas, both State-supported medical schools are currently expend-
ing their basic science capabilities considerably in terms of facilities and
personnel as well as educational and research functions; and

Whereas, Norfolk continues to work toward an independent medical
school which will enhance medical education and high quality medical
care in the Tidewater area; and

Whereas, the western area does not have appropriate clinical train-
ing affiliations to fully utilize its medical resources and facilities; and

Whereas, Roanoke is the major population, industrial and_ medical
center for western Virginia having two major community type hospitals
with a major veterans hospital within a short distance; and

Whereas, it would seem desirable to further exploit these resources
and to involve them in the health education potential of our State as well
as to further utilize these facilities as a clinical center for the area; and

Whereas, such a development could have a great impact upon health
training and medical care in our State at minimal cost; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. There is hereby created a Commission to study the advisability
and feasibility of utilizing the medical facilities, resources and profes-
sional personnel of Roanoke and other communities in the western part
of the State as an affiliated operation of the University of Virginia di-
rected toward participation in the education of medical students in their
clinical years, post graduate residency training and continuing education,
as well as training the allied health professions.

§ 2. The Commission shall consist of eleven members; two of whom
shall be appointed by the President of the Senate from the membership
thereof; three of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House
of Delegates from the membership thereof; and six of whom shall be
appointed by the Governor from the State at large. The members of the
Commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be
reimbursed for their necessary expenses incurred in attendance upon meet-
ings of the Commission. The Commission may employ such consultant
and secretarial services as may be necessary in the conduct of the study.

§ 3. The Commission shall complete its study and make its report
to the Governor and the General Assembly of Virginia not later than
November one, nineteen hundred sixty-nine. The Commission, from time
to time and prior to such date, may submit such interim reports and
recommendations to the Governor as it may deem expedient.

§ 4. The Commission is authorized to accept and expend funds,

gifts and grants from private and public sources, including federal grants
or contracts, for the purposes of carrying out its study.