VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

• Code of Virginia
• Virginia Administrative Code
• Constitution of Virginia
• Charters
• Authorities
• Compacts
• Uncodified Acts
• RIS Users (account required)

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

• Bills & Resolutions
  session legislation
• Bill Summaries
  session summaries
• Reports to the General Assembly
  House and Senate documents
• Legislative Liaisons
  State agency contacts

ACROSS SESSIONS

• Subject Index: Since 1995
• Bills & Resolutions: Since 1994
• Summaries: Since 1994

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2024 SESSION

• history | pdf | print version

24105766D
HOUSE BILL NO. 537 AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE (Proposed by the House Committee on Health and Human Services on January 25, 2024) (Patron Prior to Substitute--Delegate Cole) A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 8 of Title 63.2 a section numbered 63.2-807, relating to Home Visiting Program established.

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 63.2-807 as follows:

§ 63.2-807. Home Visiting Program established; purpose.

The Home Visiting Program (the Program) is hereby created. The Program shall be administered by the Department in accordance with regulations established by the Board. The purpose of the Program shall be to (i) develop a plan for the provision of home visiting services to pregnant people and parents; (ii) administer home visiting services provided by family support professionals; and (iii) coordinate approval of funding, allocation of funds, and data reporting on funding.

2. That the Department of Social Services (the Department) shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act to be effective no later than November 1, 2024. The Department's initial adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), except that the Department shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the regulations prior to adoption. In establishing such regulations, the Department shall:

A. Ensure that Home Visiting Program services are provided by family support professionals trained to implement evidence-based program models and who demonstrate proficiency in standardized, competency-based criteria. Such professionals shall provide anticipatory guidance, parenting education, parenting conduct screening, assessment for and referrals to necessary support services, and developmental and behavioral health interventions.

B. Direct the Home Visiting Program (the Program) to coordinate with the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and the Department of Education on funding.

C. Direct the Program to coordinate its funding with the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program administered by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration in order to minimize administrative burdens and maximize effective service delivery.

D. Balance the need for statewide funding with the need to ensure sufficient funding for meaningful services.