Virginia House Bill HB1904

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23
• Report Pass: 1/31/23
• Refer: 1/31/23

Caption

Emergency Department Care Management Grant Program and Fund; established and created, report.

Impact

The bill impacts the Code of Virginia by introducing structured pathways for grant distributions, allowing hospitals to apply for funding that will be used specifically for care management initiatives. It establishes a dedicated fund that is non-reverting, meaning that unspent appropriations will roll over annually, ensuring funds are available for ongoing support of emergency care management. This new program is expected to bolster the healthcare system's ability to manage patients with recurring nonurgent medical needs effectively.

Summary

House Bill 1904 establishes the Emergency Department Care Management Grant Program and Fund, aimed at providing grants to hospitals that offer care management services for frequent emergency department users. The bill's purpose is to reduce nonurgent, primary care visits to emergency rooms by enhancing care management staff and resources. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying patients' comprehensive health care needs and social determinants impacting their access to care. The implementations of these management practices are intended to foster collaboration between hospitals, providers, and community organizations to improve overall patient care.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 1904 centers on concerns regarding the allocation of resources and accountability in the program's implementation. Critics may argue about the adequacy of oversight over how grant funds are utilized by hospitals and whether the program genuinely addresses the complexities involved with patients who frequently use emergency services. There may also be questions regarding how well this program can address broader healthcare system challenges, such as access to preventative care, socioeconomic barriers, and the effectiveness of emergency services in a community context.