Back to Virginia

HB1284 • 2026

State plan for medical assistance; provider-to-provider consultation.

An Act to amend and reenact § 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Medical Assistance Services; state plan for medical assistance; provider-to-provider consultation.

Healthcare Technology
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Downey
Last action
2026-04-13
Official status
Acts of Assembly Chapter
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on how much will be paid for telemedicine consultations or what specific types of services are covered.

State Plan for Medical Assistance; Provider-to-Provider Consultation

This act changes the state plan for medical assistance to include payment for provider-to-provider consultations through telemedicine services.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes the Medicaid rules in Virginia to allow payments for consultations between healthcare providers using telemedicine.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Healthcare providers who use telemedicine for consultations.
  • The Department of Medical Assistance Services, which administers Medicaid in Virginia.

Terms To Know

Telemedicine
Using technology to provide healthcare services remotely.
Provider-to-provider consultation
When one healthcare provider consults with another about a patient's care.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify the amount that will be paid for telemedicine consultations.
  • It is unclear what specific types of telemedicine services are covered under this change.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

HB1284AHC1

2026-01-29

Health and Human Services Amendment

Plain English: The amendment removes certain phrases related to patient-initiated services and technology from the bill text, replacing them with a specific definition of 'telehealth' as used in another section of Virginia law.

  • Removes references to 'patient-initiated services' from the bill.
  • Strikes out sections mentioning technology that were between lines 203 and 210.
  • Inserts a new reference to telehealth, defining it as per § 38.2-3418.16 of Virginia law.
  • The exact impact on the bill's implementation is unclear without further context about what was removed and how 'telehealth' will be applied in this context.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-13 Governor

    Approved by Governor-Chapter 767 (effective 7/1/2026)

  2. 2026-04-13 Governor

    Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0767)

  3. 2026-03-31 House

    Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

  4. 2026-03-31 Governor

    Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

  5. 2026-03-31 House

    Signed by Speaker

  6. 2026-03-31 House

    Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

  7. 2026-03-31 Governor

    Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

  8. 2026-03-31 House

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1284)

  9. 2026-03-30 Senate

    Signed by President

  10. 2026-03-30 House

    Enrolled

  11. 2026-03-30 House

    Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1284ER)

  12. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Read third time

  13. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Read third time

  14. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

  15. 2026-03-09 Senate

    Rules suspended

  16. 2026-03-09 Senate

    Passed by for the day

  17. 2026-03-09 Senate

    Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

  18. 2026-03-09 Senate

    Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  19. 2026-03-06 Finance and Appropriations

    Reported from Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)

  20. 2026-02-26 Education and Health

    Reported from Education and Health and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)

  21. 2026-02-24 Health

    Assigned Education sub: Health

  22. 2026-02-16 Senate

    Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

  23. 2026-02-16 Education and Health

    Referred to Committee on Education and Health

  24. 2026-02-13 House

    Read third time and passed House Block Vote (96-Y 0-N 0-A)

  25. 2026-02-12 House

    Read second time

  26. 2026-02-12 House

    committee substitute agreed to

  27. 2026-02-12 House

    Engrossed by House - committee substitute

  28. 2026-02-11 House

    Read first time

  29. 2026-02-09 Appropriations

    Reported from Appropriations (22-Y 0-N)

  30. 2026-02-06 Health & Human Resources

    Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 0-N)

  31. 2026-02-05 Health and Human Services

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1284)

  32. 2026-02-03 Health & Human Resources

    Assigned HAPP sub: Health & Human Resources

  33. 2026-02-03 Health and Human Services

    Reported from Health and Human Services with substitute and referred to Appropriations (22-Y 0-N)

  34. 2026-02-03 House

    Incorporates HB87 (Laufer)

  35. 2026-02-03 Health and Human Services

    Committee substitute printed 26106678D-H1

  36. 2026-02-02 Social Services

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1284)

  37. 2026-01-29 Social Services

    Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute and referring to Appropriations (8-Y 0-N)

  38. 2026-01-29 Social Services

    House subcommittee offered

  39. 2026-01-23 Social Services

    Assigned sub: Social Services

  40. 2026-01-14 House

    Presented and ordered printed 26105500D

  41. 2026-01-14 Health and Human Services

    Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

Official Summary Text

Department of Medical Assistance Services; state plan for medical assistance; provider-to-provider consultation; telemedicine.
Specifies that the Medicaid provision for provider-to-provider consultation includes payment for consultations provided through telemedicine services. This bill incorporates HB 87.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
An Act to amend and reenact §
32.1-325
of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Medical Assistance Services; state plan for medical assistance; provider-to-provider consultation.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §
32.1-325
of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§
32.1-325
. Board to submit plan for medical assistance services to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to federal law; administration of plan; contracts with health care providers.
A. The Board, subject to the approval of the Governor, is authorized to prepare, amend from time to time, and submit to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services a state plan for medical assistance services pursuant to Title XIX of the United States Social Security Act and any amendments thereto. The Board shall include in such plan:
1. A provision for payment of medical assistance on behalf of individuals, up to the age of 21, placed in foster homes or private institutions by private, nonprofit agencies licensed as child-placing agencies by the Department of Social Services or placed through state and local subsidized adoptions to the extent permitted under federal statute;
2. A provision for determining eligibility for benefits for medically needy individuals which disregards from countable resources an amount not in excess of $3,500 for the individual and an amount not in excess of $3,500 for his spouse when such resources have been set aside to meet the burial expenses of the individual or his spouse. The amount disregarded shall be reduced by (i) the face value of life insurance on the life of an individual owned by the individual or his spouse if the cash surrender value of such policies has been excluded from countable resources and (ii) the amount of any other revocable or irrevocable trust, contract, or other arrangement specifically designated for the purpose of meeting the individual's or his spouse's burial expenses;
3. A requirement that, in determining eligibility, a home shall be disregarded. For those medically needy persons whose eligibility for medical assistance is required by federal law to be dependent on the budget methodology for Aid to Families with Dependent Children, a home means the house and lot used as the principal residence and all contiguous property. For all other persons, a home shall mean the house and lot used as the principal residence, as well as all contiguous property, as long as the value of the land, exclusive of the lot occupied by the house, does not exceed $5,000. In any case in which the definition of home as provided here is more restrictive than that provided in the state plan for medical assistance services in Virginia as it was in effect on January 1, 1972, then a home means the house and lot used as the principal residence and all contiguous property essential to the operation of the home regardless of value;
4. A provision for payment of medical assistance on behalf of individuals up to the age of 21, who are Medicaid eligible, for medically necessary stays in acute care facilities in excess of 21 days per admission;
5. A provision for deducting from an institutionalized recipient's income an amount for the maintenance of the individual's spouse at home;
6. A provision for payment of medical assistance on behalf of pregnant women which provides for payment for inpatient postpartum treatment in accordance with the medical criteria outlined in the most current version of or an official update to the "Guidelines for Perinatal Care" prepared by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the "Standards for Obstetric-Gynecologic Services" prepared by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Payment shall be made for any postpartum home visit or visits for the mothers and the children which are within the time periods recommended by the attending physicians in accordance with and as indicated by such Guidelines or Standards. For the purposes of this subdivision, such Guidelines or Standards shall include any changes thereto within six months of the publication of such Guidelines or Standards or any official amendment thereto;
7. A provision for the payment for family planning services on behalf of women who were Medicaid-eligible for prenatal care and delivery as provided in this section at the time of delivery. Such family planning services shall begin with delivery and continue for a period of 24 months, if the woman continues to meet the financial eligibility requirements for a pregnant woman under Medicaid. For the purposes of this section, family planning services shall not cover payment for abortion services and no funds shall be used to perform, assist, encourage or make direct referrals for abortions;
8. A provision for payment of medical assistance for high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants on behalf of individuals over the age of 21 who have been diagnosed with lymphoma, breast cancer, myeloma, or leukemia and have been determined by the treating health care provider to have a performance status sufficient to proceed with such high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. Appeals of these cases shall be handled in accordance with the Department's expedited appeals process;
9. A provision identifying entities approved by the Board to receive applications and to determine eligibility for medical assistance, which shall include a requirement that such entities (i) obtain accurate contact information, including the best available address and telephone number, from each applicant for medical assistance, to the extent required by federal law and regulations, and (ii) provide each applicant for medical assistance with information about advance directives pursuant to Article 8 (§
54.1-2981
et seq.) of Chapter 29 of Title 54.1, including information about the purpose and benefits of advance directives and how the applicant may make an advance directive;
10. A provision for breast reconstructive surgery following the medically necessary removal of a breast for any medical reason. Breast reductions shall be covered, if prior authorization has been obtained, for all medically necessary indications. Such procedures shall be considered noncosmetic;
11. A provision for payment of medical assistance for annual pap smears;
12. A provision for payment of medical assistance services for prostheses following the medically necessary complete or partial removal of a breast for any medical reason;
13. A provision for payment of medical assistance which provides for payment for 48 hours of inpatient treatment for a patient following a radical or modified radical mastectomy and 24 hours of inpatient care following a total mastectomy or a partial mastectomy with lymph node dissection for treatment of disease or trauma of the breast. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as requiring the provision of inpatient coverage where the attending physician in consultation with the patient determines that a shorter period of hospital stay is appropriate;
14. A requirement that certificates of medical necessity for durable medical equipment and any supporting verifiable documentation shall be signed, dated, and returned by the physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse and in the durable medical equipment provider's possession within 60 days from the time the ordered durable medical equipment and supplies are first furnished by the durable medical equipment provider;
15. A provision for payment of medical assistance to (i) persons age 50 and over and (ii) persons age 40 and over who are at high risk for prostate cancer, according to the most recent published guidelines of the American Cancer Society, for prostate cancer screening, which includes one prostate-specific antigen test in a 12-month period and digital rectal examinations;
16. A provision for payment of medical assistance for low-dose screening mammograms for determining the presence of occult breast cancer. Such coverage shall make available one screening mammogram to persons age 35 through 39, one such mammogram biennially to persons age 40 through 49, and one such mammogram annually to persons age 50 and over. The term "mammogram" means an X-ray examination of the breast using equipment dedicated specifically for mammography, including but not limited to the X-ray tube, filter, compression device, screens, film and cassettes, with an average radiation exposure of less than one rad mid-breast, two views of each breast;
17. A provision, when in compliance with federal law and regulation and approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), for payment of medical assistance services delivered to Medicaid-eligible students when such services qualify for reimbursement by the Virginia Medicaid program and may be provided by school divisions, regardless of whether the student receiving care has an individualized education program or whether the health care service is included in a student's individualized education program. Such services shall include those covered under the state plan for medical assistance services or by the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit as specified in § 1905(r) of the federal Social Security Act, and shall include a provision for payment of medical assistance for health care services provided through telemedicine services, as defined in §
38.2-3418.16
. No health care provider who provides health care services through telemedicine shall be required to use proprietary technology or applications in order to be reimbursed for providing telemedicine services;
18. A provision for payment of medical assistance services for liver, heart and lung transplantation procedures for individuals over the age of 21 years when (i) there is no effective alternative medical or surgical therapy available with outcomes that are at least comparable; (ii) the transplant procedure and application of the procedure in treatment of the specific condition have been clearly demonstrated to be medically effective and not experimental or investigational; (iii) prior authorization by the Department of Medical Assistance Services has been obtained; (iv) the patient selection criteria of the specific transplant center where the surgery is proposed to be performed have been used by the transplant team or program to determine the appropriateness of the patient for the procedure; (v) current medical therapy has failed and the patient has failed to respond to appropriate therapeutic management; (vi) the patient is not in an irreversible terminal state; and (vii) the transplant is likely to prolong the patient's life and restore a range of physical and social functioning in the activities of daily living;
19. A provision for payment of medical assistance for colorectal cancer screening, specifically screening with an annual fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, or in appropriate circumstances radiologic imaging, in accordance with the most recently published recommendations established by the American College of Gastroenterology, in consultation with the American Cancer Society, for the ages, family histories, and frequencies referenced in such recommendations;
20. A provision for payment of medical assistance for custom ocular prostheses;
21. A provision for payment for medical assistance for infant hearing screenings and all necessary audiological examinations provided pursuant to §
32.1-64.1
using any technology approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and as recommended by the national Joint Committee on Infant Hearing in its most current position statement addressing early hearing detection and intervention programs. Such provision shall include payment for medical assistance for follow-up audiological examinations as recommended by a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or audiologist and performed by a licensed audiologist to confirm the existence or absence of hearing loss;
22. A provision for payment of medical assistance, pursuant to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 (P.L.
106-354
), for certain women with breast or cervical cancer when such women (i) have been screened for breast or cervical cancer under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program established under Title XV of the Public Health Service Act; (ii) need treatment for breast or cervical cancer, including treatment for a precancerous condition of the breast or cervix; (iii) are not otherwise covered under creditable coverage, as defined in § 2701 (c) of the Public Health Service Act; (iv) are not otherwise eligible for medical assistance services under any mandatory categorically needy eligibility group; and (v) have not attained age 65. This provision shall include an expedited eligibility determination for such women;
23. A provision for the coordinated administration, including outreach, enrollment, re-enrollment and services delivery, of medical assistance services provided to medically indigent children pursuant to this chapter, which shall be called Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) Plus and the FAMIS Plan program in §
32.1-351
. A single application form shall be used to determine eligibility for both programs;
24. A provision, when authorized by and in compliance with federal law, to establish a public-private long-term care partnership program between the Commonwealth of Virginia and private insurance companies that shall be established through the filing of an amendment to the state plan for medical assistance services by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. The purpose of the program shall be to reduce Medicaid costs for long-term care by delaying or eliminating dependence on Medicaid for such services through encouraging the purchase of private long-term care insurance policies that have been designated as qualified state long-term care insurance partnerships and may be used as the first source of benefits for the participant's long-term care. Components of the program, including the treatment of assets for Medicaid eligibility and estate recovery, shall be structured in accordance with federal law and applicable federal guidelines;
25. A provision for the payment of medical assistance for otherwise eligible pregnant women during the first five years of lawful residence in the United States, pursuant to § 214 of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (P.L.
111-3
);
26. A provision for the payment of medical assistance for medically necessary health care services provided through telemedicine services, as defined in §
38.2-3418.16
, regardless of the originating site or whether the patient is accompanied by a health care provider at the time such services are provided. No health care provider who provides health care services through telemedicine services shall be required to use proprietary technology or applications in order to be reimbursed for providing telemedicine services.
For the purposes of this subdivision, a health care provider duly licensed by the Commonwealth who provides health care services exclusively through telemedicine services shall not be required to maintain a physical presence in the Commonwealth to be considered an eligible provider for enrollment as a Medicaid provider.
For the purposes of this subdivision, a telemedicine services provider group with health care providers duly licensed by the Commonwealth shall not be required to have an in-state service address to be eligible to enroll as a Medicaid vendor or Medicaid provider group.
For the purposes of this subdivision, "originating site" means any location where the patient is located, including any medical care facility or office of a health care provider, the home of the patient, the patient's place of employment, or any public or private primary or secondary school or postsecondary institution of higher education at which the person to whom telemedicine services are provided is located;
27. A provision for the payment of medical assistance for the dispensing or furnishing of up to a 12-month supply of hormonal contraceptives at one time. Absent clinical contraindications, the Department shall not impose any utilization controls or other forms of medical management limiting the supply of hormonal contraceptives that may be dispensed or furnished to an amount less than a 12-month supply. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to (i) require a provider to prescribe, dispense, or furnish a 12-month supply of self-administered hormonal contraceptives at one time or (ii) exclude coverage for hormonal contraceptives as prescribed by a prescriber, acting within his scope of practice, for reasons other than contraceptive purposes. As used in this subdivision, "hormonal contraceptive" means a medication taken to prevent pregnancy by means of ingestion of hormones, including medications containing estrogen or progesterone, that is self-administered, requires a prescription, and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for such purpose;
28. A provision for payment of medical assistance for remote patient monitoring services provided via telemedicine, as defined in §
38.2-3418.16
, for (i) high-risk pregnant persons; (ii) medically complex infants and children; (iii) transplant patients; (iv) patients who have undergone surgery, for up to three months following the date of such surgery; and (v) patients with a chronic or acute health condition who have had two or more hospitalizations or emergency department visits related to such health condition in the previous 12 months when there is evidence that the use of remote patient monitoring is likely to prevent readmission of such patient to a hospital or emergency department. For the purposes of this subdivision, "remote patient monitoring services" means the use of digital technologies to collect medical and other forms of health data from patients in one location and electronically transmit that information securely to health care providers in a different location for analysis, interpretation, and recommendations, and management of the patient. "Remote patient monitoring services" includes monitoring of clinical patient data such as weight, blood pressure, pulse, pulse oximetry, blood glucose, and other patient physiological data, treatment adherence monitoring, and interactive videoconferencing with or without digital image upload;
29. A provision for the payment of medical assistance for provider-to-provider consultations that is no more restrictive than, and is at least equal in amount, duration, and scope to, that available through the fee-for-service program
. Such provision shall include payment of medical assistance for consultations provided through telemedicine services as that term is defined in §
38.2-3418.16
;
30. A provision for payment of the originating site fee to emergency medical services agencies for facilitating synchronous telehealth visits with a distant site provider delivered to a Medicaid member. As used in this subdivision, "originating site" means any location where the patient is located, including any medical care facility or office of a health care provider, the home of the patient, the patient's place of employment, or any public or private primary or secondary school or postsecondary institution of higher education at which the person to whom telemedicine services are provided is located;
31. A provision for the payment of medical assistance for targeted case management services for individuals with severe traumatic brain injury;
32. A provision for payment of medical assistance for the initial purchase or replacement of complex rehabilitative technology manual and power wheelchair bases and related accessories, as defined by the Department's durable medical equipment program policy, for patients who reside in nursing facilities. Initial purchase or replacement may be contingent upon (i) determination of medical necessity; (ii) requirements in accordance with regulations established through the Department's durable medical equipment program policy; and (iii) exclusive use by the nursing facility resident. Recipients of medical assistance shall not be required to pay any deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or patient costs related to the initial purchase or replacement of complex rehabilitative technology manual and power wheelchair bases and related accessories;
33. A provision for payment of medical assistance for remote ultrasound procedures and remote fetal non-stress tests. Such provision shall utilize established CPT codes for these procedures and shall apply when the patient is in a residence or other off-site location from the patient's provider that provides the same standard of care. The provision shall provide for reimbursement only when a provider uses digital technology (i) to collect medical and other forms of health data from a patient and electronically transmit that information securely to a health care provider in a different location for interpretation and recommendation; (ii) that is compliant with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.); and (iii) that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For fetal non-stress tests under CPT Code 59025, the provision shall provide for reimbursement only if such test (a) is conducted with a place of service modifier for at-home monitoring and (b) uses remote monitoring solutions that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for on-label use to monitor fetal heart rate, maternal heart rate, and uterine activity;
34. A provision for payment of medical assistance for the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. Such provision shall include payment for treatment using antimicrobials, medication, and behavioral therapies to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. For the purposes of this subdivision:
"Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome" or "PANS" means a clinically defined disorder characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD) or eating restrictions, concomitant with acute behavioral deterioration in at least two designated domains. Comorbid PANS symptoms may include anxiety, sensory amplification or motor abnormalities, behavioral regression, deterioration in school performance, mood disorder, urinary symptoms, or sleep disturbances. PANS does not require a known trigger, although it is believed to be triggered by one or more pathogens.
"Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections" or "PANDAS" means a subset of PANS that has five distinct criteria for diagnosis, including (i) abrupt "overnight" OCD or dramatic, disabling tics; (ii) a relapsing-remitting, episodic symptom course; (iii) young age at onset; (iv) presence of neurologic abnormalities; and (v) temporal association between symptom onset and Group A streptococcal infection. The five criteria of PANDAS are usually accompanied by similar comorbid symptoms as found in PANS;
35. A provision for payment of medical assistance for rapid whole genome sequencing for children three years of age or younger who are receiving inpatient hospital services in an intensive care unit. For the purposes of this subdivision, "rapid whole genome sequencing" is defined as an investigation of the entire human genome to identify disease-causing genetic changes that returns preliminary positive results within seven days and final results within 15 days from the date of receipt of the sample by the lab performing the test. "Rapid whole genome sequencing" includes patient-only whole genome sequencing and duo and trio whole genome sequencing of the patient and biological parent or parents;
36. A provision for payment of medical assistance for comprehensive dental care services for pregnant women. Such services shall include (i) preventive services, such as cleanings, oral exams, and x-rays; (ii) diagnostic services, including periodontal assessments and consultations; (iii) restorative procedures, including fillings, root canals, and crowns; (iv) emergency dental care to address acute pain and infection; (v) periodontal treatment for gum disease, including deep cleanings; and (vi) any other dental services deemed medically necessary by the Department in consultation with dentists, other dental professionals, and public health experts. Such provision shall provide for at least four dental visits during pregnancy, with additional visits permitted upon recommendation from a licensed dentist or obstetrician. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on the implementation and outcomes of this act. The report shall include (i) the number of pregnant women who utilized expanded dental services; (ii) analysis of the impact of the expanded dental services on maternal and infant health outcomes; (iii) any barriers to access or service delivery; and (iv) recommendations for further improvement; and
37. A provision for payment of medical assistance for postpartum doula care. Postpartum doula care covered under such provision shall include (i) emotional and physical support for the birthing individual and family during the postpartum period; (ii) assistance with infant care, breastfeeding, and safe sleeping practices; (iii) education on postpartum mental health and referrals to mental health resources as needed; (iv) guidance on physical recovery, nutrition, and self-care for the birthing individual; (v) connection to community resources and social support systems; and (vi) culturally appropriate and individualized care tailored to the birthing individual's needs. Such provision shall ensure that eligible individuals receive payment of medical assistance services for up to 10 doula visits, with up to four doula visits during pregnancy and up to six doula visits during the 12 months after the individual gives birth, with additional visits permitted if such visits are deemed medically necessary. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on the implementation and outcomes of this act. The report shall include (i) the number of postpartum individuals who utilized doula care services; (ii) analysis of the impact of doula care services on maternal and infant health outcomes; (iii) feedback from birthing individuals, families, and doula service providers; and (iv) recommendations for improvement or expansion.
B. In preparing the plan, the Board shall:
1. Work cooperatively with the State Board of Health to ensure that quality patient care is provided and that the health, safety, security, rights and welfare of patients are ensured.
2. Initiate such cost containment or other measures as are set forth in the appropriation act.
3. Make, adopt, promulgate and enforce such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
4. Examine, before acting on a regulation to be published in the Virginia Register of Regulations pursuant to §
2.2-4007.05
, the potential fiscal impact of such regulation on local boards of social services. For regulations with potential fiscal impact, the Board shall share copies of the fiscal impact analysis with local boards of social services prior to submission to the Registrar. The fiscal impact analysis shall include the projected costs/savings to the local boards of social services to implement or comply with such regulation and, where applicable, sources of potential funds to implement or comply with such regulation.
5. Incorporate sanctions and remedies for certified nursing facilities established by state law, in accordance with 42 C.F.R. § 488.400 et seq., Enforcement of Compliance for Long-Term Care Facilities With Deficiencies.
6. On and after July 1, 2002, require that a prescription benefit card, health insurance benefit card, or other technology that complies with the requirements set forth in §
38.2-3407.4:2
be issued to each recipient of medical assistance services, and shall upon any changes in the required data elements set forth in subsection A of §
38.2-3407.4:2
, either reissue the card or provide recipients such corrective information as may be required to electronically process a prescription claim.
C. In order to enable the Commonwealth to continue to receive federal grants or reimbursement for medical assistance or related services, the Board, subject to the approval of the Governor, may adopt, regardless of any other provision of this chapter, such amendments to the state plan for medical assistance services as may be necessary to conform such plan with amendments to the United States Social Security Act or other relevant federal law and their implementing regulations or constructions of these laws and regulations by courts of competent jurisdiction or the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
In the event conforming amendments to the state plan for medical assistance services are adopted, the Board shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Article 2 (§
2.2-4006
et seq.) of Chapter 40 of Title 2.2. However, the Board shall, pursuant to the requirements of §
2.2-4002
, (i) notify the Registrar of Regulations that such amendment is necessary to meet the requirements of federal law or regulations or because of the order of any state or federal court, or (ii) certify to the Governor that the regulations are necessitated by an emergency situation. Any such amendments that are in conflict with the Code of Virginia shall only remain in effect until July 1 following adjournment of the next regular session of the General Assembly unless enacted into law.
D. The Director of Medical Assistance Services is authorized to:
1. Administer such state plan and receive and expend federal funds therefor in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; and enter into all contracts necessary or incidental to the performance of the Department's duties and the execution of its powers as provided by law.
2. Enter into agreements and contracts with medical care facilities, physicians, dentists and other health care providers where necessary to carry out the provisions of such state plan. Any such agreement or contract shall terminate upon conviction of the provider of a felony. In the event such conviction is reversed upon appeal, the provider may apply to the Director of Medical Assistance Services for a new agreement or contract. Such provider may also apply to the Director for reconsideration of the agreement or contract termination if the conviction is not appealed, or if it is not reversed upon appeal.
3. Refuse to enter into or renew an agreement or contract, or elect to terminate an existing agreement or contract, with any provider who has been convicted of or otherwise pled guilty to a felony, or pursuant to Subparts A, B, and C of 42 C.F.R. Part 1002, and upon notice of such action to the provider as required by 42 C.F.R. § 1002.212.
4. Refuse to enter into or renew an agreement or contract, or elect to terminate an existing agreement or contract, with a provider who is or has been a principal in a professional or other corporation when such corporation has been convicted of or otherwise pled guilty to any violation of §
32.1-314
,
32.1-315
,
32.1-316
, or
32.1-317
, or any other felony or has been excluded from participation in any federal program pursuant to 42 C.F.R. Part 1002.
5. Terminate or suspend a provider agreement with a home care organization pursuant to subsection E of §
32.1-162.13
.
For the purposes of this subsection, "provider" may refer to an individual or an entity.
E. In any case in which a Medicaid agreement or contract is terminated or denied to a provider pursuant to subsection D, the provider shall be entitled to appeal the decision pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 1002.213 and to a post-determination or post-denial hearing in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§
2.2-4000
et seq.). All such requests shall be in writing and be received within 15 days of the date of receipt of the notice.
The Director may consider aggravating and mitigating factors including the nature and extent of any adverse impact the agreement or contract denial or termination may have on the medical care provided to Virginia Medicaid recipients. In cases in which an agreement or contract is terminated pursuant to subsection D, the Director may determine the period of exclusion and may consider aggravating and mitigating factors to lengthen or shorten the period of exclusion, and may reinstate the provider pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 1002.215.
F. When the services provided for by such plan are services which a marriage and family therapist, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, or clinical nurse specialist is licensed to render in Virginia, the Director shall contract with any duly licensed marriage and family therapist, duly licensed clinical psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical nurse specialist who makes application to be a provider of such services, and thereafter shall pay for covered services as provided in the state plan. The Board shall promulgate regulations which reimburse licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors and licensed clinical nurse specialists at rates based upon reasonable criteria, including the professional credentials required for licensure.
G. The Board shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services such amendments to the state plan for medical assistance services as may be permitted by federal law to establish a program of family assistance whereby children over the age of 18 years shall make reasonable contributions, as determined by regulations of the Board, toward the cost of providing medical assistance under the plan to their parents.
H. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall:
1. Include in its provider networks and all of its health maintenance organization contracts a provision for the payment of medical assistance on behalf of individuals up to the age of 21 who have special needs and who are Medicaid eligible, including individuals who have been victims of child abuse and neglect, for medically necessary assessment and treatment services, when such services are delivered by a provider which specializes solely in the diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and neglect, or a provider with comparable expertise, as determined by the Director.
2. Amend the Medallion II waiver and its implementing regulations to develop and implement an exception, with procedural requirements, to mandatory enrollment for certain children between birth and age three certified by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services as eligible for services pursuant to Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1471 et seq.).
3. Utilize, to the extent practicable, electronic funds transfer technology for reimbursement to contractors and enrolled providers for the provision of health care services under Medicaid and the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan established under §
32.1-351
.
I. The Director is authorized to negotiate and enter into agreements for services rendered to eligible recipients with special needs. The Board shall promulgate regulations regarding these special needs patients, to include persons with AIDS, ventilator-dependent patients, and other recipients with special needs as defined by the Board.
J. Except as provided in subdivision A 1 of §
2.2-4345
, the provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§
2.2-4300
et seq.) shall not apply to the activities of the Director authorized by subsection I of this section. Agreements made pursuant to this subsection shall comply with federal law and regulation.
K. When the services provided for by such plan are services by a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or pharmacy intern (i) performed under the terms of a collaborative agreement as defined in §
54.1-3300
and consistent with the terms of a managed care contractor provider contract or the state plan or (ii) related to services and treatment in accordance with §
54.1-3303.1
, the Department shall provide reimbursement for such service.