Virginia Code § 19.2-271.4 provides confidentiality protections for communications made to certain public safety peer support teams, preventing disclosure unless specific exceptions apply. The law aims to encourage open communication among emergency personnel while outlining circumstances where privilege does not apply. It also clarifies that privilege can be waived and specifies situations where disclosures are permitted.
Communications between members of critical incident stress management or peer support teams and emergency medical or public safety personnel regarding a critical incident are privileged and protected from disclosure.
Yes, the person whose communications are privileged may waive the privilege if they choose to do so.
Yes, disclosures are permitted if criminal activity is involved, if the communicator is a witness, to prevent crimes or threats, or if the information reveals intent to defraud or pose a safety threat.
The law defines a 'critical incident' as an event involving emergency or public safety personnel that causes significant stress or trauma, though the full definition is specified in the statute.