Virginia House Bill HB2239

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Health care providers; Dept. of Health Professions to provide information to public.

Impact

The legislation aims to promote a more informed public who can make educated choices about healthcare options available to them. By granting access to this data, the hope is to improve overall patient-provider relationships and healthcare outcomes. The creation of a systematic way to obtain this information may also aid in addressing disparities in healthcare access across different localities, as residents will be better equipped to understand the demographic landscape of healthcare providers in their communities.

Summary

House Bill 2239 mandates that the Virginia Department of Health Professions, via its Virginia Healthcare Workforce Data Center, must provide the public access to existing data on health care providers within the state. This data includes details such as provider locality, certification types, and demographic information. The intent behind the bill is to enhance transparency in the healthcare sector and empower residents by providing them with essential information that could influence their choices regarding health care providers.

Contention

Despite the bill's intended benefits, there are concerns regarding privacy and the potential misuse of demographic data. Critics argue that while transparency is vital, it must be balanced with protecting the privacy rights of healthcare providers and their patients. There may also be discussions about the feasibility and the resources required to maintain and disseminate such data effectively. Additionally, questions may arise about how this information will be received and utilized by the public, raising further debates about its implications.