2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25102196D

SENATE BILL NO. 980

Offered January 8, 2025

Prefiled January 7, 2025

A BILL to direct the Department of Medical Assistance Services to convene a work group of stakeholders to design a state plan amendment to provide reimbursement for services provided by certified community health workers.

—————

Patron—Hashmi

—————

Referred to Committee on Rules

—————

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. That the Department of Medical Assistance Services (the Department) shall convene a work group of stakeholders to (i) design a state plan amendment to provide reimbursement for services provided by certified community health workers that shall include service definitions, administrative structure, eligibility criteria, provider participation requirements, population prevalence, service setting options, and federal evaluation requirements; (ii) identify opportunities to expand the use of community health workers by Medicaid managed care organizations; and (iii) determine the feasibility of developing flexible training and certification standards that allow community health workers to use their education and experience to satisfy some of the requirements for qualification as a doula or registered peer recovery specialist. The Department shall report to the Joint Commission on Health Care and the Chairs of the House Committee on Appropriations and Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations regarding the work group findings and recommendations by October 1, 2025.