Cuccinelli refuses to sign off on State Board of Health regs on abortion clinics

The office of Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli II (R) on Monday refused to sign off on state Board of Health regulations that had exempted current abortion clinics from new, hospital-style construction standards.

In a surprise move a month ago, the board voted to exempt existing facilities from the new rules, which would have required extensive renovations.

In a four-sentence letter to the health department, senior assistant Attorney General Allyson K. Tysinger said that the the office would not certify the regulations.

“The Board does not have the statutory authority to adopt these Regulations,” it says. “[T]he Board has exceeded its authority. Thus, this Office cannot certify these Regulations.”

The action by the attorney general’s office is not the final word on the subject. The regulations, which would require extensive renovations,  will continue to go through executive branch review. The attorney general’s office was only the first step in that process.

“Our office merely reviews the regulations and certifies whether they are compliant with the law or not,” said Brian J. Gottstein, spokesman for the office. “We make that determination solely on a legal basis, not on the basis of whether we agree with the policy or not.”

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) could still chose to approve the regulations — or deny them and send them back to the board, recommending amendments, Gottstein said.

McDonnell’s office did not state an immediate position on the matter.

The governors office tasked the State Board of Health to review and revise the rules.  It did.  Now Cuccinelli wants to be judge and jury and refuse to certify their recommendations.  why?  He is a rabid anti-choicer.   It really isn’t all up to him.  Cuccinelli doesn’t have a real solid background with court cases being on his side.  Once again he has proven himself to be a dictatorial LOSER.

One has to wonder what will happen when the Governor tells him to get in there and certify the law.  Will he refuse?  Cuccinelli accused the Board of Health of exceeding its authority.  It seems that perhaps Cuccinelli is who really is exceeding his authority.  The State Board of Health did what the Governor told it to do.