54.1-2966 - Physicians reporting disabilities to aircraft pilots licensing authorities exempt from liability; testifying in certain proceedings. - Virginia Statutes

§ 54.1-2966. Physicians reporting disabilities to aircraft pilots licensingauthorities exempt from liability; testifying in certain proceedings.

A. Any physician who, in good faith, reports the existence, or probableexistence, of a mental or physical disability or infirmity in any personlicensed or certificated to operate any type of aircraft, or any applicantfor a license or certificate to operate any type of aircraft, to agovernmental agency which is responsible for issuing, renewing, revoking orsuspending such licenses or certificates, or which is responsible for airsafety, which the physician believes will or reasonably could affect suchperson's ability to safely operate the aircraft he is licensed orcertificated, or is seeking to be licensed or certificated, to operate shallnot be liable for any civil damages resulting from such reporting, regardlessof whether such person is, or has been, a patient of such physician, exceptwhen such reporting was done with malice.

B. Notwithstanding any provision of § 8.01-399, any physician may testify inany administrative hearing or other proceeding regarding the issuance,renewal, revocation or suspension of any license or certificate to pilot anaircraft of any person, regardless of whether such person is, or has been, apatient of such physician, giving evidence of the existence or probableexistence, of a mental or physical disability or infirmity.

(1978, c. 561, § 54-276.9:1; 1988, c. 765.)