Virginia 2024 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB1285

Introduced
1/10/24  

Caption

Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority; adds to powers and duties.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws regarding health workforce education and policy implementation. By creating the Authority, it provides a structured approach to assessing health workforce needs and aligning educational programs with the demands of the healthcare sector. The Authority is also empowered to manage data on health education and delivery, which will facilitate a more comprehensive planning process for healthcare services throughout the state. This could lead to improved healthcare access for residents, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.

Summary

House Bill 1285 establishes the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority as a public body corporate intended to enhance the health workforce within the Commonwealth of Virginia. This Authority is tasked with improving the health professions pipeline through various initiatives aimed at identifying, educating, recruiting, and retaining a diverse and competent health workforce representative of Virginia's demographic. The bill lays out the mission of the Authority, emphasizing its role in integrating health workforce training with local community needs, especially in underserved areas.

Contention

While the bill aims to address the pressing issues surrounding health workforce shortages, there are points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that the creation of a new bureaucratic entity could lead to inefficiencies or increased government spending without clear accountability. Additionally, there may be concerns about how effectively the Authority can bridge the gap between trained professionals and actual community needs, especially given Virginia's diverse population and varying healthcare requirements across regions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA HB2195

Workforce development; consolidation of policies and programs, etc.

VA SB1470

Workforce development; consolidation of policies and programs, etc.

VA HB1781

Southwest Virginia Energy Research and Development Authority; definitions, powers and duties.

VA HB1840

Eastern Virginia Health Sciences Center; establishing at Old Dominion University.

VA SB1211

Eastern Virginia Health Sciences Center; establishing at Old Dominion University.

VA SB1116

Southwest Virginia Energy Research and Development Authority; definitions, powers and duties.

VA HB2409

Virginia College Savings Plan; renamed Commonwealth Savers Plan, duties of governing board.

VA HB2396

Virginia College Savings Plan; renamed Commonwealth Savers Plan, duties of governing board.

VA SB1519

Virginia College Savings Plan; renamed Commonwealth Savers Plan, duties of governing board, report.

VA SB1190

Housing and Community Development, Department of; powers and duties of Director.

Similar Bills

WV SB582

Creating WV Workforce Resiliency Act

WV HB4574

Creating the “West Virginia Workforce Resiliency Act”

WV HB4287

Update the Unemployment Benefits system to an online system

WV SB597

Allowing Workforce WV to hire classified service exempt employees

VA HB1903

Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority; Virginia Nursing Workforce Center established; reporting and monitoring of health care workforce programs; residency slots; work group; report.

WV SB186

Creating Small Business and Minority Populations Economic and Workforce Development Taskforce

WV HB2062

Creating a Small Business and Minority Populations Economic and Workforce Development Taskforce

WV HB3168

Creating small business and minority populations economic and workforce development taskforce