Va. Code Ann. tit. 54.1, ch. 18

Va. Code Ann. tit. 54.1, ch. 18
in effect

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-1800 Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Course of instruction" means a formal course of instruction in the detection of deception and the verification of truth in an institution approved by the Director. "Department" means the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. "Director" means the Director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. "Other detection device" or "device" means any mechanical or electronic instrument or device, other than a polygraph, used to test or question individuals for the purpose of detecting deception or verifying truthfulness. "Person" means any natural person, partnership, association, corporation or trust. "Polygraph" means any mechanical or electronic instrument or device used to test or question individuals for the purpose of determining truthfulness. "Polygraph examiner" means any person who uses a polygraph to test or question individuals for the purpose of determining truthfulness. "Polygraph examiner intern" means any person engaged in the study of polygraphy and the administration of polygraph examinations under the personal supervision and control of a polygraph examiner. 1975, c. 522, § 54-916; 1988, c. 765; 1993, c. 499; 2010, c. 625 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-1801 Licenses

A. All polygraph examiners shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter. B. All persons who operate any other detection device shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter. 1975, c. 522, § 54-918; 1988, c. 765; 2010, c. 625 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-1802.1 Powers and duties of the Department

The Department shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. In addition to the powers and duties otherwise conferred by the law, the Director shall have the powers and duties of a regulatory board as contained in §§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-202 and shall have the power and duty to: 1. Promulgate regulations necessary for the reasonable administration of this chapter in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). Such regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the establishment of minimum qualifications for the operators of polygraphs and other detection devices; 2. Charge each applicant for licensure and for renewals of licensure a nonrefundable fee subject to the provisions of § 54.1-113 and subdivision A 4 of § 54.1-201 ; and 3. Conduct investigations to determine the suitability of applicants for licensure and to determine the licensee's compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. 2010, cc. 578 , 625 ; 2012, c. 769 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-1803 Approval of schools to teach courses of instruction

The Director shall promulgate regulations for the approval of schools in which courses of instruction for polygraph examiners and persons who operate other detection devices approved pursuant to § 54.1-1805 are taught. 1975, c. 522, § 54-920; 1988, c. 765; 2010, c. 625 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-1804 Submission of fingerprints

Each applicant for licensure as a polygraph examiner, each polygraph examiner intern, and each applicant for licensure to operate any other detection device shall submit his fingerprints to the Department on a form provided by the Department. 1975, c. 522, § 54-921; 1988, c. 765; 2010, c. 625 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-1805 Instrument to be used

A. Each polygraph examiner shall use an instrument that records permanently and simultaneously the subject's cardiovascular and respiratory patterns as minimum standards, but such an instrument may record additional physiological changes pertinent to the determination of truthfulness. B. 1. The use of any other detection device that does not meet the instrumentation requirements set forth in subsection A shall be approved by the Director. The Director shall approve such other detection device only when the data collected by such device is deemed to be reliable and valid in detecting deception or verifying truth, based upon the preponderance of available scientific evidence. The voluntary, written consent of any individual to be tested using a detection device approved pursuant to this subsection shall be obtained prior to the administration of any such test or questioning using the device. 2. Any such approved device shall be subject to regulations promulgated by the Director regarding its use in the Commonwealth. 3. The Director shall establish standards of practice related to the use of any such other detection device approved pursuant to this subsection. 1975, c. 522, § 54-922; 1988, c. 765; 2010, c. 625 .

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-1806 Prohibition of use of certain questions on polygraph tests for employment

No licensed polygraph operator shall, during a polygraph examination required as a condition of employment, ask any question concerning the sexual activities of the person being examined if the question violates state or federal law. A violation of this section shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to § 54.1-1802.1 . 1989, c. 693; 2010, c. 578 .
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter18/Fetched: 10/16/2026