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2021 SESSION

21102721D
HOUSE BILL NO. 2065
Offered January 13, 2021
Prefiled January 12, 2021
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 8 of Title 63.2 a section numbered 63.2-806, relating to Produce Rx Program established; report.
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Patrons-- McQuinn, Adams, D.M., Aird, Bagby, Carr, Guzman, Hayes, Helmer, Hope, Hurst, Kory, Krizek, Mugler, Murphy, Plum, Price, Reid, Roem, Samirah, Simon and Willett; Senators: Boysko and Lucas
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Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 8 of Title 63.2 a section numbered 63.2-806 as follows:

§ 63.2-806. Produce Rx Program; report.

A. As used in this section:

"Eligible individual" means a person who receives medical assistance through the Commonwealth's program of medical assistance or the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) Plan established pursuant to Chapter 13 (§ 32.1-351 et seq.) of Title 32.1.

"Qualified care provider" means any licensed or registered health care provider or other person deemed qualified to issue Produce Rx Program vouchers pursuant to this section.

"Qualifying fruits and vegetables" means any variety of fresh, canned, dried, or frozen whole or cut fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, oils, or sodium.

B. The Department shall establish a Produce Rx Program (the Program) as a three-year pilot program to incentivize consumption of qualifying fruits and vegetables by eligible individuals for whom increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is recommended by a qualified care provider. Such Program shall include:

1. Eligibility criteria for participation in the Program, including criteria for eligible individuals and qualified care providers;

2. A process for enrolling eligible individuals in the Program;

3. A process for the issuance by qualified care providers to eligible individuals of Program vouchers that may be redeemed for the purchase of qualifying fruits and vegetables; and

4. Reporting requirements for qualified care providers who provide Program vouchers.

C. The Department shall report annually by December 1 to the Governor and the General Assembly data and information about the Program, including the number of eligible individuals receiving vouchers through the Program and the number and location of qualified care providers participating in the Program, the total value of vouchers issued to eligible individuals, and the total value of vouchers redeemed.

2. That the Department of Social Services shall convene a work group that shall include representatives of the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Heart Association, the Virginia Farmers Market Association, the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics to advise the Department on the design of the Produce Rx Program established pursuant to this act.