Virginia law requires individuals convicted of certain driving-related offenses, especially repeat offenders, to pay $50 to the Trauma Center Fund to support emergency medical care for accident victims. The fund is established in the state treasury and is used to provide grants to trauma centers. The law aims to offset the costs of emergency treatment for victims of alcohol or drug-related automobile accidents.
Individuals convicted of certain driving offenses, including DUI and related violations, who have prior convictions within 10 years must pay the fee.
The fund is used to provide grants to trauma centers to help cover the costs of emergency medical care for victims of automobile accidents caused by alcohol or drug use.
No, the money remains in the Trauma Center Fund and is available for future allocation, including interest earned.
The Department of Health develops criteria for awarding grants based on the costs of providing emergency care, and these criteria are reviewed annually.