HB 1391

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 2 of Title 32.1 an article numbered 22.1, consisting of a section numbered 32.1-73.27:1, relating to Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network established; report.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 2 of Title 32.1 an article numbered 22.1, consisting of a section numbered 32.1-73.27:1, as follows:
Article 22.1.
Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network.
§ 32.1-73.27:1. Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network; purpose.
A. As used in this section:
"Network" means the Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network established in this article.
"Sickle cell specialist" means a health care professional who specializes in the treatment of sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.
B. The Commissioner shall establish and maintain the Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network, in collaboration with and under the Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems Authority, for the purpose of providing health care providers in the Commonwealth with real-time consultation and support from sickle cell specialists.
C. The Network shall ensure that sickle cell specialists are available for telehealth consultation with health care providers for extended coverage. Sickle cell specialists participating in the Network shall provide (i) guidance on pain management, (ii) consultation on treatment protocols, and (iii) coordination of care to health care providers.
2. That the State Health Commissioner, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, or his designee, the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, and any other relevant stakeholders, shall develop recommendations on establishing and maintaining the Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network (the Network), established pursuant to the first enactment of this act, for the purpose of providing health care providers in the Commonwealth with real-time consultation and support from sickle cell specialists. The recommendations shall include ways the Network can ensure that sickle cell specialists are available for telehealth consultation with health care providers for extended coverage, including providing (i) guidance on pain management; (ii) consultation on treatment protocols; and (iii) coordination of care to health care providers. The Commissioner shall report his recommendations to the Chairs of the House Committees on Appropriations and Health and Human Services and the Senate Committees on Finance and Appropriations and Education and Health by December 1, 2026.
3. That the provisions of the first enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2027.