18.2-502.1 - Weight loss centers or clinics; disclosure. - Virginia Statutes

§ 18.2-502.1. Weight loss centers or clinics; disclosure.

No weight loss center or clinic shall, in its name or advertisements, use thewords "physicians" or "doctors" or refer to its clients as "patients"or indicate that "medical teams" are available in its facility unless (i)the facility employs at least one registered nurse full-time and employs orcontracts with at least one physician licensed by the Board of Medicine forservices or consultation in connection with the facility's activities; or(ii) the facility is under the full-time supervision of a physician; or (iii)the clinic or program is operated by or in conjunction with a licensedhospital. Any physician affiliated with a weight loss center or clinic forpurposes of consultation or supervision shall have primary responsibility fordecisions made within the scope of that affiliation relating to the provisionof medical services or care to persons using the services of that facilityand shall have primary responsibility for medical decisions relating to theevaluation of the appropriateness of the admission of persons to the weightloss program. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall beguilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(1988, c. 765.)