8.01-581.8 - Admissibility of opinion as evidence; appearance of panel members as witnesses; immunity from civil liability. - Virginia Statutes

§ 8.01-581.8. Admissibility of opinion as evidence; appearance of panelmembers as witnesses; immunity from civil liability.

An opinion of the medical review panel shall be admissible as evidence in theaction brought by the plaintiff, but shall not be conclusive. Either partyshall have the right to call, at his cost, any member of the panel, exceptthe judge, as a witness. If called, each witness shall be required to appearand testify. The panelist shall have absolute immunity from civil liabilityfor all communications, findings, opinions and conclusions made in the courseand scope of duties prescribed by this chapter.

(Code 1950, § 8-918; 1976, c. 611; 1977, c. 617; 1978, c. 406; 1993, c. 928.)