June 2023
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. What’s Happening in Richmond
3. 2023 Primary Election Recap
4. What’s Happening in Washington, D.C.
5. Engage with VHHA & HosPAC
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Introduction
Greetings!
On July 1, 2023, the new state fiscal year begins. That is also the date when many new laws adopted during the winter General Assembly session take effect. Among the policy changes made are several that will impact hospitals and the health care industry in Virginia. The entire VHHA team will help our members navigate these changes.
In other news, voters across the Commonwealth went to the polls on June 20 to choose Republican and Democratic nominees in races for the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate. The results will have a profound impact on the composition of the General Assembly when it convenes in January 2024. The VHHA Government Affairs Team will work with incumbents and newly elected officials to ensure hospital interests are prioritized amid the historic legislative turnover.
–The VHHA Government Affairs Team
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What’s Happening in Richmond
New Laws Take Effect
During the most recent legislative session, the General Assembly passed 811 pieces of legislation – 803 were signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, with many of them taking effect Saturday, July 1. Below are a few new laws that will affect hospitals and health systems:
Senator Barbara Favola (D-Arlington County) patroned legislation to require each hospital with an emergency department to maintain a certain level of security. VHHA is working with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and other stakeholders to promulgate regulations that will not pose an undue burden on hospitals and health systems.
Legislation requested by VHHA and its members clarifies the authority of emergency medical services (EMS) providers to administer drugs and devices at a medical care facility. Delegate Bobby Orrock (R-Spotsylvania County) and Senator David Suetterlein (R-Roanoke County) sponsored that legislation, which was signed by the Governor.
Both the Governor and the legislature kept Virginia’s behavioral health system as a top priority. Beginning July 1, emergency department and behavioral health staff members may release patients who are awaiting transportation to a facility of temporary detention prior to a commitment hearing under certain circumstances where the patient no longer meets commitment criteria.
To learn more about all the laws taking effect, please read VHHA’s published materials and watch our webinar reviewing new laws that will impact hospitals.
Budget in Limbo
Many of VHHA’s legislative priorities were included as amendments to the biennial budget and focus on addressing the significant workforce shortages in health care and the ongoing behavioral health challenges in communities across the Commonwealth. Negotiations on the budget have stalled over disagreements related to Governor Youngkin’s proposed tax cuts. The defeat of Senator George Barker (D-Fairfax County) during the June 20 primary election has created uncertainty about the resumption of negotiations because Barker was a key budget negotiator. |
2023 Primary Election Recap
This election cycle was an historic one. More than 40 nomination contests were decided on Tuesday, June 20 – including several races with longstanding incumbents.
Governor Glenn Youngkin and Republican leadership in the House and Senate had a winning night, winning each of the races in which the Governor and GOP leadership endorsed. The Republicans who won their primaries are generally seen as more electable in matchups with Democratic candidates during the general election. Two examples of this trend are former Senator Glen Sturtevant, who defeated incumbent Senator Amanda Chase and Delegate Emily Brewer, who defeated political newcomer Hermie Sadler (a businessman and former NASCAR driver) for an open Senate seat.
Meanwhile, Democratic voters chose the more progressive candidate in several key races that resulted in the ouster of three tenured incumbents: Senator George Barker of Fairfax County, Senator Joe Morrissey of Henrico County, and Senator Chap Petersen of Fairfax City. Democratic voters also nominated former Delegate Jennifer Carrol Foy of Prince William County rather than former Delegate Hala Ayala, who was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2021. The winning candidates in those races received significant support from Clean Virginia, an anti-Dominion Energy organization.
The redistricting process in Virginia also resulted in two races that pitted sitting incumbent legislators against one another. In the House District 47 (Patrick County) Republican primary, Delegate Marie March was defeated by Delegate Wren Williams. In the Hampton Roads-based Senate District 18 primary, Senator Louise Lucas of Portsmouth defeated Senator Lionell Spruill of Chesapeake.
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What’s Happening in Washington, D.C.
Congressional Action Threatening Hospital Viability
Over the past month, Congress has held hearings on legislation that could pose a significant threat to hospitals and health systems across the country. Congressional committees have heard testimony and debated issues including price transparency, site-neutral payments, and consolidation.
The Transparent PRICE Act and Patient Act of 2023 recently passed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. These proposals could deepen cuts to hospitals that are already feeling the consequences of underpayment from Medicare and commercial insurance -that resulted in increased costs for patients. Both proposals are awaiting a vote of the full U.S. House of Representatives. VHHA and its members will work with Virginia’s Congressional delegation to ensure that these harmful proposals are defeated as introduced. |
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Join the Hospital Grassroots Network!
Sign up for the VHHA Hospital Grassroots Network to join our rapid response network that helps legislators understand the importance of a pending health care vote or issue.
The Virginia Hospital Advocate newsletter will also help keep you updated on key issues so that you’re informed and ready to respond when an urgent action alert is issued. |
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Support Dedicated Legislators through HosPAC!
HosPAC is VHHA’s political action committee. HosPAC provides organized, effective political action by supporting candidates who will work to improve quality health care through policies that recognize the importance of Virginia’s hospital and health systems.
To contribute,
please visit www.VAHosPAC.com.
HosPAC participation is strictly voluntary and not tax deductible. |
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Thank you for supporting Virginia hospitals!
VHHA’s Advocacy Team works hard to keep you up to date with the latest health care policy and politics news. We love to hear from our members and supporters!
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Julie Dime, Vice President of Government Affairs, jdime@vhha.com
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Jennifer Wicker, Senior Director of Government Affairs, jwicker@vhha.com
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David Nutter, Director of Government Affairs, dnutter@vhha.com
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Rachel Becker, Director of Government Affairs, rbecker@vhha.com
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Davis Gammon, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, dgammon@vhha.com
Please don’t hesitate to contact members of the team, and send Davis feedback or suggestions for topics to cover in future newsletters. Thank you! |
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