CHAPTER 600

An Act to amend and reenact § 32.1-68 of the Code of Virginia, relating to sickle cell disease education and screening program; cancer risk.

[H 392]

Approved April 13, 2026

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 32.1-68 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 32.1-68. Commissioner to establish screening and treatment program; review by Board; program to include education and post-screening counseling; laboratory tests.

A. The Commissioner, in cooperation with local health directors, shall establish a voluntary program for the screening of adults and children for the disease of sickle cell anemia or the sickle cell trait and for such other genetically related diseases and genetic traits and inborn errors of metabolism as the Board may deem necessary.

B. The Board shall review the program from time to time to determine the appropriate age and the method of screening for such conditions or traits in the light of technological changes.

C. The screening program shall include provisions for education concerning the nature and treatment of sickle cell anemia, other genetically related diseases and inborn errors of metabolism and a post-screening counseling program for the treatment of any person determined to have such a condition. Such education shall also address cancers known to be more common in individuals with sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait, including certain types of kidney cancer.

D. The program may include the provision of laboratory testing.

E. The program shall offer educational resources to health care providers who screen individuals for sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait about the increased risks for certain cancers among individuals with those conditions. The resources shall be culturally and linguistically appropriate and shall include information for providers, affected individuals, and their families regarding (i) cancers known to be more common in individuals with sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait, including certain types of kidney cancer; (ii) signs, symptoms, and surveillance for such cancers; (iii) how to access referral resources for treatment for such cancers; and (iv) the importance of individuals and their families communicating concerns about such cancers to providers. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the program or a health care provider from offering more frequent or additional education on sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait.

E. F. The Board shall adopt regulations to implement an adult and pediatric comprehensive sickle cell clinic network.