The Joint Subcommittee to Study Hospice conducted its study pursuant to House Resolution Number 84 of the 1978 Session of the General Assembly.

In accordance with House Resolution Number 84, members of the Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions and of the Committee on Corporations, Insurance and Banking of the House of Delegates were chosen to serve on the Joint Subcommittee to Study Hospice. Delegate Mary A. Marshall of Arlington was elected chairman of the Joint Subcommittee. Serving with Delegate Marshall were Delegates Gerald L. Baliles of Richmond; David G. Brickley of Woodbridge; Vincent F. Callahan, Jr. of McLean; Walter H. Emroch of Richmond; J. Samuel Glasscock of Suffolk; George H. Heilig, Jr. of Norfolk; Thomas J. Michie, Jr. of Charlottesville; Richard L. Saslaw of Annandale; Alson H. Smith, Jr. of Winchester; Erwin S. Soloman of Hot Springs; W. Ward Teel of Christiansburg; and S. Vance Wilkins, Jr. of Amherst.

The Joint Subcommittee to Study Hospice held public hearings in Richmond and in Falls Church to solicit input on hospice. A number of individuals spoke to the Joint Subcommittee and offered to provide advisory assistance to the legislative study. Consequently, a technical committee was formed to assist the Joint Subcommittee in defining the legislative issues to be addressed to facilitate the establishment of hospice care in the Commonwealth.

The Joint Subcommittee to Study Hospice would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to the volunteer services of the members of the technical committee who devoted invaluable time and expertise to research available data and to formulate recommendations for the provision of hospice in Virginia.