Bill > HB424

This bill prohibits health insurance carriers, which are entities that provide health insurance coverage, from preventing an in-network provider (a healthcare professional or facility that has a contract with the insurance company) from referring patients or specimens to an in-network clinical laboratory or pathology service provider, unless such a referral would violate specific laws like the Practitioner Self-Referral Act or federal anti-kickback statutes. The bill defines "carrier" and "health plan" broadly to include coverage for state employees and clarifies that "in-network" refers to providers contracted with the carrier for services at a set rate. The bill also states that the State Corporation Commission will not handle disputes arising from this new provision.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB424