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1999 SESSION

996663760
SENATE BILL NO. 1186
Offered January 21, 1999
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 32.1-324.2, relating to provider communication.
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Patrons-- Chichester, Colgan, Couric, Gartlan, Hawkins, Houck, Howell, Lambert, Lucas, Newman, Quayle, Schrock, Walker and Woods; Delegates: Callahan, Davies, Hamilton, Morgan and Rust
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Referred to Committee on Education and Health
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 32.1-324.2 as follows:

§ 32.1-324.2. Director to establish provider work groups; facilitate information sharing.

A. In carrying out his duties under this chapter, the Director shall establish work groups composed of key providers and constituency groups to facilitate communication between the Department and providers of health care services. Such work groups shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Board and to the Director, who shall consult with such groups on program and payment system policies and procedures, performance improvement goals, the design of the program, policy or payment system modifications, and such other issues as he may deem appropriate.

B. The Director shall also establish separate work groups for each of the following provider and constituency groups:

1. Physicians;

2. Hospitals;

3. Long-term care providers;

4. Dentists;

5. Behavioral health providers, including community service boards and public and private providers of inpatient mental health services; and

6. Managed care plans.

The Director may establish such additional work groups as he may deem appropriate. Each work group shall include representatives of the Department and of relevant provider and constituency groups designated by the Director from among nominations submitted by professional or trade associations representing such groups.

C. The provider and constituency work groups shall meet quarterly, unless the Director and such group members mutually agree to a different schedule.

D. The Board and Director shall render final decisions regarding payment systems and other policies as authorized under this chapter, in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 9-6.14:1 et seq.).

E. The Director shall make any data schedules, policy memoranda, and other information routinely developed by the Department, or requested frequently by providers and their representatives, available through efficient means, including, but not limited to, the Department’s Internet website.