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Spring 2016 Issue
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Legislative Update: 2016 End of Session Report

By James Pickral
PSV Lobbyist

James Pickral

The 2016 Virginia General Assembly adjourned a day early this year. Sine Die was on Friday, March 11 and the legislators returned home after passing over 1,700 bills and sending a budget to Governor McAuliffe. It was a successful session, but certainly had its share of controversial issues. Legislation regarding the Certificate of Public Need Program was a hot topic this year, as well as the appointment of a judge to the Virginia Supreme Court. While these issues brought out partisan politics, we also saw the parties working collaboratively to advance good policy measures for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe and Republican leadership were able to work together to pass historic, compromise legislation regarding firearms. The Virginia General Assembly continues to be an example for the rest of the nation about how to govern effectively, despite political differences.

Below are bills of specific interest from the 2016 session:

HB 362 (Davis) Accident and sickness insurance; step therapy protocols, disclosure of information. Requires health insurers that limit coverage for prescription drugs through the use of a step therapy protocol to have in place a process for a prescribing provider to request an override of the protocol for a patient.

SB 331 ( DeSteph) Accident and sickness insurance; step therapy for psychiatric medications. Prohibits a health insurer or other carrier from using step therapy in a manner that results in a denial of or delay in coverage for any psychiatric medication under a health insurance policy or plan. 

SB 332 (DeSteph) Accident and sickness insurance; step therapy protocols. Requires health benefit plans that restrict the use of any prescription drug through the use of a step therapy protocol to have in place a clear, convenient, and expeditious process for a prescribing medical provider to request an override of such restrictions for a patient. 

 HB 811 (Bell): Involuntary admission procedures; notification to family member about proceedings. After learning the time and location of a commitment hearing, the CSB must notify the personal representative of the person who is the subject of the hearing and their family member.

HB 1110 (Bell) and SB 567 (Barker): Temporary detention; notice of recommendation, communication with magistrate. If a CSB does not recommend a TDO, they must notify the person who initiated the ECO and offer to help them communicate with the magistrate if the person disagrees with the CSB’s recommendation.

HB 1112 (Bell) and SB 568 (Barker): Involuntary admission; contents of preadmission screening report; notice of hearing.

Please Donate!Budget Items
Catawba State Hospital

Hancock Geriatric Treatment Center

Mental Health Workforce

Governor’s Access Plan (GAP)

Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment

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