RICHMOND - The General Assembly today passed House Bill 805, sponsored by Del. David Englin (D-45), to establish a statewide registry for living wills and advanced medical directives so medical professionals and emergency responders can access these documents when they are needed most.
“This legislation will be an instrument to provide equal legal protection to all Virginians, including gay and lesbian couples, during medical emergencies,” said Englin. “While all Virginians can benefit from this registry, in particular it will enable gay and lesbian Virginians to designate their partners as the people to make medical decisions on their behalf — a legal power married couples enjoy by default.”
House Bill 805 passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 95 to 4 on Feb. 12, and it passed the Senate unanimously today. For more information on Englin and his legislative agenda, visit http://www.DavidEnglin.org.
