Virginia Senate Bill SJR11

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 1/28/22
• Engrossed: 2/2/22
• Refer: 2/22/22

Caption

Eating disorders; Joint Commission on Health Care to study.

Impact

If enacted, the findings of the study conducted by the Joint Commission on Health Care are expected to lead to significant recommendations for improving educational resources related to eating disorders, enhancing early detection methods, and optimizing treatment accessibility in Virginia. This initiative acknowledges the rising cost of treatment borne by both public (Medicaid) and private entities and seeks to provide solutions that mitigate these financial burdens while improving health outcomes for affected individuals.

Summary

SJR11 directs the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct a comprehensive study on eating disorders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bill recognizes the serious impact of eating disorders, citing an estimated eight million Americans affected, with particularly high mortality rates among young females suffering from conditions like anorexia nervosa. The study is positioned as a necessary step in addressing the growing public health concern surrounding eating disorders, advocating for better education, detection, and treatment strategies.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SJR11 may arise from discussions on the adequacy of current training provided to public educators and healthcare practitioners regarding eating disorders. There is concern that the current curricula in Virginia's educational institutions may not adequately prepare professionals to handle such critical health issues, which necessitates a thorough assessment through the proposed study. The potential fiscal implications of implementing recommendations also highlight the need for thorough fiscal analysis to ensure that the suggestions made are feasible and sustainable for the Commonwealth and private payers.