{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/8.01-581.6.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/8.01-581.6.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/8.01-581.6.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/8.01-581.6.html"}],"law_id":377644,"edition_id":2,"section_id":377644,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.6","catch_line":"Conduct of proceedings","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 8-916; 1976, c. 611; 1977, c. 617; 1979, c. 261; 1984, c. 777; 1986, c. 227.","full_text":"In the conduct of its proceedings:\n\n1\n\nThe testimony of the witnesses shall be given under oath. Members of the medical review panel, once sworn, shall have the power to administer oaths.\n\n2\n\nIn the event a hearing is held, the parties are entitled to be heard, to present relevant evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses to the extent necessary to enable the panel to render an opinion as specified in § 8.01-581.7. The rules of evidence need not be observed. The medical review panel may proceed with the hearing and shall render an opinion upon the evidence produced, notwithstanding the failure of a party duly notified to appear.\n\n3\n\nThe medical review panel may issue or cause to be issued, on its own motion or on application of any party, subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and for the production of books, records, documents, and other evidence. Subpoenas so issued shall be served and, upon application by a party or the panel to a court of proper venue having jurisdiction over a motion for judgment based on such claim, enforced in the manner provided for the service and enforcement of subpoenas in a civil action. All provisions of law compelling a person under subpoena to testify are applicable.\n\n4\n\n[Repealed.]\n\n5\n\nThe hearing shall be conducted by all members of the medical review panel unless the parties otherwise agree. A majority of the members present may determine any question and may render an opinion.\n\n6\n\nThe medical review panel members may apply their expertise in evaluating the evidence giving due regard to the nature of the claim and the nature of the practice of the health care provider, whether expert medical opinions are presented by the parties or not.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1408874,"text":"In the conduct of its proceedings:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":1408875,"text":"The testimony of the witnesses shall be given under oath. Members of the medical review panel, once sworn, shall have the power to administer oaths.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":1408876,"text":"In the event a hearing is held, the parties are entitled to be heard, to present relevant evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses to the extent necessary to enable the panel to render an opinion as specified in § 8.01-581.7. The rules of evidence need not be observed. The medical review panel may proceed with the hearing and shall render an opinion upon the evidence produced, notwithstanding the failure of a party duly notified to appear.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":1408877,"text":"The medical review panel may issue or cause to be issued, on its own motion or on application of any party, subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and for the production of books, records, documents, and other evidence. Subpoenas so issued shall be served and, upon application by a party or the panel to a court of proper venue having jurisdiction over a motion for judgment based on such claim, enforced in the manner provided for the service and enforcement of subpoenas in a civil action. All provisions of law compelling a person under subpoena to testify are applicable.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":1408878,"text":"[Repealed.]","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":1408879,"text":"The hearing shall be conducted by all members of the medical review panel unless the parties otherwise agree. A majority of the members present may determine any question and may render an opinion.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":1408880,"text":"The medical review panel members may apply their expertise in evaluating the evidence giving due regard to the nature of the claim and the nature of the practice of the health care provider, whether expert medical opinions are presented by the parties or not.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5"}},"ancestry":[{"id":53671,"edition_id":2,"name":"Medical Malpractice Review Panels; Arbitration of Malpractice Claims","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":53670,"metadata":{"child_laws":20,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 03:20:21","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:25","permalink":{"id":1505899,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":53671,"identifier":"1","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1","url":"\/8.01\/21.1\/1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":53670,"edition_id":2,"name":"Medical Malpractice","identifier":"21.1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":47,"parent_id":53558,"metadata":{"child_laws":31,"child_structures":2},"date_created":"2026-08-02 03:20:21","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:25","permalink":{"id":1505897,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":53670,"identifier":"21.1","token":"8.01\/21.1","url":"\/8.01\/21.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":53558,"edition_id":2,"name":"Civil Remedies and Procedure","identifier":"8.01","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":12,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":1095,"child_structures":142},"date_created":"2026-08-02 03:18:32","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:09","permalink":{"id":1504031,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":53558,"identifier":"8.01","token":"8.01","url":"\/8.01\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":377612,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/8.01-581.1\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.1","metadata":false},{"id":377613,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.10","catch_line":"Per diem and expenses of panel","url":"\/8.01-581.10\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.10","metadata":false},{"id":377614,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.11","catch_line":"Rules and regulations","url":"\/8.01-581.11\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.11","metadata":false},{"id":377615,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.11:1","catch_line":"Objections not waived by participation","url":"\/8.01-581.11_1\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.11_1","metadata":false},{"id":377616,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.12","catch_line":"Arbitration of medical malpractice claims","url":"\/8.01-581.12\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.12","metadata":false},{"id":377617,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.12:1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/8.01-581.12_1\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.12_1","metadata":false},{"id":377618,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.12:2","catch_line":"Article not applicable to actions arising prior to July 1, 1976","url":"\/8.01-581.12_2\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.12_2","metadata":false},{"id":377628,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.2","catch_line":"Request for review by medical malpractice review panel; rescission of request; determination on request","url":"\/8.01-581.2\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.2","metadata":false},{"id":377637,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.2:1","catch_line":"Additional parties","url":"\/8.01-581.2_1\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":377638,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.3","catch_line":"Composition, selection, etc., of panel","url":"\/8.01-581.3\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.3","metadata":false},{"id":377639,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.3:1","catch_line":"Completion of discovery; hearing date; notification to parties and panel members; oath of panel members","url":"\/8.01-581.3_1\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":377640,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.4","catch_line":"Submission of evidence to panel; depositions and discovery; duties of chairman; access to material","url":"\/8.01-581.4\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.4","metadata":false},{"id":377641,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.4:1","catch_line":"Assembly of record","url":"\/8.01-581.4_1\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.4_1","metadata":false},{"id":377642,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.4:2","catch_line":"Removal of record for inspection and copying; notice","url":"\/8.01-581.4_2\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.4_2","metadata":false},{"id":377643,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.5","catch_line":"When hearing to be held; notice to parties","url":"\/8.01-581.5\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.5","metadata":false},{"id":377644,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.6","catch_line":"Conduct of proceedings","url":"\/8.01-581.6\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.6","metadata":false},{"id":377645,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.7","catch_line":"Opinion of panel","url":"\/8.01-581.7\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.7","metadata":false},{"id":377646,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.7:1","catch_line":"Limitation on panel opinion","url":"\/8.01-581.7_1\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.7_1","metadata":false},{"id":377647,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.8","catch_line":"Admissibility of opinion as evidence; appearance of panel members as witnesses; immunity from civil liability","url":"\/8.01-581.8\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.8","metadata":false},{"id":377648,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.9","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/8.01-581.9\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":377643,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.5","catch_line":"When hearing to be held; notice to parties","url":"\/8.01-581.5\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.5","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":377645,"structure_id":53671,"section_number":"8.01-581.7","catch_line":"Opinion of panel","url":"\/8.01-581.7\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.7","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/8.01-581.6\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1976, chapter 611; in 1977, chapter 617; in 1979, chapter 261; in 1984, chapter 777; in 1986, chapter 227.<\/p>","references":[{"id":377643,"section_number":"8.01-581.5","catch_line":"When hearing to be held; notice to parties","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-581.5\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":377645,"section_number":"8.01-581.7","catch_line":"Opinion of panel","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-581.7\/"}],"permalink":{"id":1505961,"object_type":"law","relational_id":377644,"identifier":"8.01-581.6","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.6","url":"\/8.01-581.6\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/8.01-581.6\/","token":"8.01\/21.1\/1\/8.01-581.6","dublin_core":{"Title":"Conduct of proceedings","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 8.01-581.6","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

In the conduct of its proceedings:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The testimony<\/span> of the witnesses shall be given under oath<\/span>. Members of the medical review panel<\/span>, once sworn, shall have the power to administer oaths<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> In the event a hearing<\/span> is held, the parties are entitled to be heard, to present relevant evidence<\/span>, and to cross-examine witnesses to the extent necessary to enable the panel<\/span> to render an opinion<\/span> as specified in § 8.01-581.7<\/a>. The rules of evidence<\/span> need not be observed. The medical review panel<\/span> may proceed with the hearing<\/span> and shall render an opinion<\/span> upon the evidence<\/span> produced, notwithstanding the failure of a party<\/span> duly notified to appear. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The medical review panel<\/span> may issue<\/span> or cause to be issued, on its own motion or on application of any party<\/span>, subpoenas<\/span> for the attendance of witnesses and for the production of books, records, documents, and other evidence<\/span>. Subpoenas<\/span> so issued shall be served and, upon application by a party<\/span> or the panel<\/span> to a court<\/span> of proper venue<\/span> having jurisdiction<\/span> over a motion for judgment<\/span> based on such claim, enforced in the manner provided for the service and enforcement of subpoenas<\/span> in a civil action<\/span>. All provisions of law<\/span> compelling a person<\/span> under subpoena<\/span> to testify are applicable. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> [Repealed.] <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The hearing<\/span> shall be conducted by all members of the medical review panel<\/span> unless the parties otherwise agree. A majority of the members present may determine any question and may render an opinion<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The medical review panel<\/span> members may apply their expertise in evaluating the evidence<\/span> giving due regard to the nature of the claim and the nature of the practice of the health care provider<\/span>, whether expert medical opinions<\/span> are presented by the parties or not. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCONDUCT OF PROCEEDINGS (\u00a7 8.01-581.6)\n\nIn the conduct of its proceedings:\n\n1. The testimony of the witnesses shall be given under oath. Members of the\nmedical review panel, once sworn, shall have the power to administer oaths.\n\n2. In the event a hearing is held, the parties are entitled to be heard, to\npresent relevant evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses to the extent\nnecessary to enable the panel to render an opinion as specified in §\n8.01-581.7. The rules of evidence need not be observed. The medical review panel\nmay proceed with the hearing and shall render an opinion upon the evidence\nproduced, notwithstanding the failure of a party duly notified to appear.\n\n3. The medical review panel may issue or cause to be issued, on its own motion\nor on application of any party, subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and\nfor the production of books, records, documents, and other evidence. Subpoenas\nso issued shall be served and, upon application by a party or the panel to a\ncourt of proper venue having jurisdiction over a motion for judgment based on\nsuch claim, enforced in the manner provided for the service and enforcement of\nsubpoenas in a civil action. All provisions of law compelling a person under\nsubpoena to testify are applicable.\n\n4. [Repealed.]\n\n5. The hearing shall be conducted by all members of the medical review panel\nunless the parties otherwise agree. A majority of the members present may\ndetermine any question and may render an opinion.\n\n6. The medical review panel members may apply their expertise in evaluating the\nevidence giving due regard to the nature of the claim and the nature of the\npractice of the health care provider, whether expert medical opinions are\npresented by the parties or not.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 8-916; 1976, c. 611; 1977, c. 617; 1979, c. 261; 1984, c.\n777; 1986, c. 227.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}