[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6230194,"mediaKeyId","3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6","parentId",3442745,"title","Joint Commission adds two targeted Medicaid studies and adopts virtual participation policy","audioSeconds",922,"startMs",6141000,"endMs",7063000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6&start=6141&end=7063","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6/thumbnail_6141000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6230194/Virginia/Joint-Commission-adds-two-targeted-Medicaid-studies-and-adopts-virtual-participation-policy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230194-1daba90922ea34f7108d067c528d2d56/orig.mp4?Expires=1775062957&Signature=BD6dZpWfCJog-UAfStu174kMncgPY7olk7mzVkYRekLw3lJhCkj7s4L3wf9AZwG-WpIlaAbfwiwH4igbPwShqYESrC5JjSmgzeLvVFg~cszaybeKLDIYZgFsqtmhwyvb3DqMYwE-udtQCSSIggU0VdxuYxgFC2DjrocoeMsdma-VogvEdNuKMPVB0fMV-az0sfsiZCbYJA9HC0wbsszT-RdPCCaOUqZ6Am2fGtHKVOLhXGy6PIu6YNz8tyr5o7g0WxTNhV4Eh9RI0HCUrzvdiCr9z15hGHOSruIcqC0eE0z1uMICVyKa-Cm3wgkz3r2ZJYEzms7-N530PVejSICOLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virginia State Legislature","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","At its spring meeting, the Joint Commission on Health Care approved two additions to its 2025 work plan and adopted an electronic participation policy required by the Code of Virginia.

The changes matter because they add narrowly scoped, staff‑led studies focused on Medicaid policy and legislative oversight during a period of active changes to Medicaid financing and program responsibilities that affect the commission’s workload.

Executive staff told commissioners the commission received a new duty in the 2025 session to assess proposed mandated health‑insurance benefits transferred from JLARC; the Appropriations Act included one additional staff position to carry that work. The executive subcommittee recommended two targeted studies for addition to the work plan: a study of implementing a Medicaid in‑lieu‑of‑service food and nutrition benefit with focus populations specified by legislators (pregnant and postpartum women and people with diabetes), and a study of strategies for legislative oversight of Medicaid spending, analyzing options other states use and how an oversight structure could be implemented in Virginia.

Sarah, the commission’s executive director, explained both studies are targeted (narrow in scope) to fit available staff time and would include implementation considerations should the commission recommend adopting either structure. The commission approved the executive subcommittee’s recommendations by motion; the motion carried without a recorded roll‑call in the internal record.

Separately, staff reviewed the commission’s virtual meeting policy required by law. The Code of Virginia allows public bodies to permit remote participation in certain cases and limits virtual meetings to no more than two meetings or 25 percent of meetings per year (and prohibits consecutive virtual meetings). The commission’s policy permits members to participate electronically for three reasons: a temporary or permanent disability or medical condition; needing to care for a family member with a medical condition; or a personal matter preventing physical attendance. The policy does not include the fourth statutory reason (a member’s primary residence being 60 miles from the meeting location) and prohibits remote members from making motions or voting while participating electronically.

Members adopted the virtual participation policy by voice vote. Sarah noted meeting dates for the rest of 2025 and reminded members that the commission will not meet in August or November; new targeted studies will be briefed in December and staff will seek to prepare any legislative requests that must be filed earlier in accordance with deadlines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Joint Commission on Health Care Wednesday, May 21, 2025 10:06 AM - 12:05 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Joint Commission on Health Care’s executive subcommittee recommended two targeted studies — a Medicaid in‑lieu food and nutrition benefit and strategies for legislative oversight of Medicaid spending — and the full commission voted to adopt both recommendations and the commission’s virtual meeting policy for 2025.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature VA, Virginia","taxId",77687,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6230199,"JCHC staff present interim findings in fentanyl study; Virginia shows recent drop in overdose deaths",861,4392000,5253000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6&start=4392&end=5253","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6/thumbnail_4392000.jpg","/articles/6230199/Virginia/JCHC-staff-present-interim-findings-in-fentanyl-study-Virginia-shows-recent-drop-in-overdose-deaths","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230199-e7134aed44648fd39cdf1d49d511bf6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775062957&Signature=bAvPZbbOcB9J9PJbL-0ZYt6-MzY0XKIjDrCZp57Gk4ymA~uz32rcUHz9ScelOWcNaXn1Bs2S5~U-NlWl7jjps5r1ovqBnbOJOYoG87fCGrPZIEn967HTKcpAa9kGW~GnucTOE2Uij1MQhpVlolsN0Wqnws8RIwybyi-S0e1i35TKFEWtgE0B5j8fO0Mv2UODUroK5qb9fRA5irFRtS1Q91YLMlDENNj0XOeIk3dFeBV~2cdLD06R5pz9qgrMdc8-a65Ih7bvBzLL25KrtVg7gBQ-2zxh5dKTdEVQlXcaumSvAPkX3zEQYMkN-cDw6aR967TNbjCcK0xQZJVEa18y7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joint Commission on Health Care received a staff briefing on Thursday presenting interim findings from a comprehensive study of the Commonwealth’s fentanyl crisis, including recent trends in overdose deaths, demographic patterns and an inventory of Virginia strategies across prevention, intervention and treatment.

The briefing matters because fentanyl has driven a large share of opioid overdose deaths, and staff will use the study to develop policy recommendations due to the commission in September 2025.

JCHC staff described the study’s three research questions: measure trends and demographic/geographic differences in fentanyl use and overdose deaths; identify strategies Virginia is using across the public‑health spectrum and assess evidence of effectiveness; and find gaps or unmet needs. Staff said they are combining descriptive data analysis, literature reviews and interviews with agency staff, community organizations and people affected by fentanyl.

Staff reported that deaths from illicitly manufactured fentanyl represent a third wave of opioid mortality in Virginia. Fentanyl‑involved deaths began rising around 2013, increased sharply through 2021, stabilized, and — according to preliminary data presented by staff — fell markedly from 2023 to 2024. Staff cautioned that while rates have declined toward pre‑pandemic levels they remain high relative to other drug categories.

The presentation highlighted demographic patterns: males die of fentanyl overdoses at roughly three times the rate of females, and Black or African American residents have experienced higher fentanyl overdose death rates than Hispanic or white residents in recent years. Age patterns showed adults roughly between 30 and 55 experienced higher rates, with the 30–34 cohort having the highest rates through 2023; that cohort’s rate fell substantially between 2023 and 2024, staff said.

On causes and drivers, staff said COVID‑19 played a twofold role: pandemic‑related social and economic stressors may have increased substance use, and disruptions in supply chains helped drive fentanyl into illicit markets because it is potent, transportable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Staff also noted that illicit fentanyl appears in counterfeit pills and mixed with other street drugs, increasing the risk of unintentional exposure.

JCHC staff cataloged more than 50 strategy types in Virginia across five secretariats and other entities, concentrated in intervention and treatment. They labeled naloxone distribution, evidence‑based medications for opioid‑use disorder and peer‑support services as evidence‑based measures that reduce overdose deaths or improve recovery outcomes. Staff said they found fewer statewide prevention and recovery strategies specifically targeting fentanyl and that interviewees described the Commonwealth’s response as moving from an emergent approach to a more strategic, sustained response.

Staff said the final report, to include policy options, will be presented at the commission’s September 2025 meeting. They also encouraged public written comments; the staff briefing included directions for submitting material for the study record.

Commissioners asked whether the 2023–24 decline has a single cause; staff responded that no single factor explains the decline and that Virginia’s multi‑pronged approach — including interdiction, naloxone distribution, and expanded treatment access — likely contributed. Staff said their final analysis will examine monitoring and evaluation practices and how resources are distributed to identify gaps and sustain effective strategies.","Researchers reported preliminary findings from a Joint Commission on Health Care study of the fentanyl crisis, showing a marked statewide decline in fentanyl overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024 while identifying remaining geographic and demographic disparities and gaps in prevention, treatment and recovery strategies.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6230204,"Lawmakers increased health and human resources funding in 2025 budget; key Medicaid items remain contested",1208,2646000,3854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6&start=2646&end=3854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6/thumbnail_2646000.jpg","/articles/6230204/Virginia/Lawmakers-increased-health-and-human-resources-funding-in-2025-budget-key-Medicaid-items-remain-contested","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230204-6f3360f6c85b833e99b4baa5ca26addb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775062957&Signature=VxB06zgRjfSDuiZih9Kt9RCP5rrSPPcKC383nvO7CJn55ORqTNuh4cVL-FXnc1AbIR2~uxhPDkrHKdbsDgD0~Sj~yFteGVSKyHsSSDjZFYQpxEwlpF0AZv0r~zE7SiPAGeEjOSLHJ~B9BdQOB91NvfmpaUE4x0J~HsRqmYUQqEpPgdh6w3EZdona4ug8YZvOnSj7Cl7z3zUXmYtEl-t73ouioKcghm7I6HgiksQM1FZCFzkAML12azQLwxqGDb9FtR0kFJ~3aTSkVhSqUJwQVOw9jaYoz5AjiL5Bg3bru2bscIjl4WKvJjiWkflAE76FfNqq3ESLWkKCM79mdsMenQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Finance staff gave the Joint Commission on Health Care an overview Thursday of major health and human resources actions in the 2025 amended budget, underscoring that HHR makes up approximately one‑third of the state operating budget and that most federal funding flows to Medicaid and related programs.

The briefing matters because the size and composition of HHR spending affects Medicaid enrollment, behavioral health services, long‑term care rates and other programs the commission studies; several newly appropriated items will influence the department and provider planning in the near term.

Mike Tweedy of Senate Finance told commissioners the amended budget (referred to in the briefing as “Chapter 7 25”) includes an approximate $869 million general‑fund increase for the biennium, with the Medicaid utilization and inflation/forecast component comprising the largest share. He said roughly $632 million of the increase is for the Medicaid forecast, and that when combined with prior amounts the forecast funding totals more than $1.3 billion over baseline.

Tweedy highlighted these budget actions discussed in the briefing: increases to Medicaid nursing facility rates, expanded Medicaid coverage for certain weight‑loss drugs and funding for substance‑use disorder services. He noted the governor publicly declared he would not execute two provisions — the nursing facility rate increase and the weight‑loss drug coverage — even though the General Assembly included them in the amended budget; as a result their implementation is in legal and operational limbo.

Other noted investments include funding for mobile maternal health clinics that was moved into Medicaid to secure the federal match, expanded coverage for continuous glucose monitoring, and targeted dollars for traumatic brain injury services, nursing‑facility rate adjustments, and improvements to substance‑use disorder programs. Tweedy said the budget includes about $6.7 million across agencies for maternal‑health initiatives and that certain items in the amended budget may be subject to legal review or executive non‑implementation depending on the governor’s actions.

On the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services portfolio, Tweedy cited additional funding for the so‑called Marcus Alert/behavioral health co‑response expansions (to meet a 2028 statutory requirement), investments in developmental disability quality assurance related to the permanent injunction and funds for psychiatric hospital pharmaceutical costs and an adult psychiatric access line. He said the budget scales phased implementation of special‑conservator‑of‑the‑peace alternatives rather than going statewide immediately.

For social services and other programs, the briefing noted new investments for child protective services, foster care and adoption inflation, and funding to cover rising contract costs for income‑verification systems used in public‑benefit determination. The Department of Health received appropriations for a drinking‑water infrastructure grant program, a perinatal health hub pilot and increased compliance staff for drinking‑water regulation.

Tweedy also described the Commonwealth Health Reinsurance Program funding dynamics: large federal awards in recent years left a $20 million state base available for the next biennium if a state share is required; however, he cautioned federal action could change the program’s financial picture and the state exposure in future years.

Commissioners asked about vetoed items and how to interpret budget numbers. Tweedy advised that appropriations included in Chapter 7 25 are valid legislative actions, but the governor’s decision not to execute particular line items means those measures may not be implemented absent legal change or further action by the General Assembly. He added that vetoed appropriations that are not executed typically revert to the bottom line in the next budget process.

The briefing did not result in a commission vote; it was an informational presentation to inform staff and members about the fiscal environment in which future JCHC recommendations will be considered.","Senate Finance staff briefed the Joint Commission on Health Care on 2025 appropriation actions affecting health and human resources, highlighting large Medicaid forecast increases, investments in maternal and behavioral health, and items the governor signaled he would not execute.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6230209,"Virginia officials outline closure plan for Hiram Davis Medical Center, cite infrastructure and patient moves",1006,1259000,2265000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6&start=1259&end=2265","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442745-63f42766bb3db62857e92192f38a27a6/thumbnail_1259000.jpg","/articles/6230209/Virginia/Virginia-officials-outline-closure-plan-for-Hiram-Davis-Medical-Center-cite-infrastructure-and-patient-moves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230209-042b084c3e8ae3635ba40589ce5a769d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775062957&Signature=NAyMWG0XuzqZdEugsal44OLqNdcbYI~ErfUL~EIV~3~odN6mwsqpZbxSuQabcOx3Az7gwGU4-rPjpjHq77vcV2N3N9dNJ4gqk9c-4jeKdq37HmSqiJ9GNnqpcQRRbg6AxA4vqJFQ~cXngXI1thoHefFy7qpZOVYhDSVlSG2qZpDoB9MfsFBvK70QnGjO0d1yVKa0PlHAKIpVhEJgo8odWQLjt4-b8fAYugOosVbbGpAF9lDvabwTOjmeT-adrTibJ-93R~hCrRv7XRWUQ630zLQehK4oyTVNsIzlxN6vs6FshCNXRjslGZIUMumYm~5DdfoYE~8G3U9xBGnmtj2u4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joint Commission on Health Care heard an update Thursday from Commissioner Nelson Smith on plans to close Hiram Davis Medical Center, a 94‑bed state facility the department says has failing infrastructure and cannot be renovated without displacing residents.

The briefing matters because Hiram Davis serves multiple high‑need populations — people with developmental disabilities, residents with dementia and complex medical needs, and people with serious mental illness — and the closure will require individualized placement planning, regulatory steps to certify alternative beds and legislative review before the General Assembly and governor decide whether the plan moves forward.

Commissioner Nelson Smith told commissioners the facility is more than 50 years old, has antiquated systems and “open for system failure.” He said the building’s layout makes comprehensive renovation impractical because upgrades to buried plumbing and life‑safety systems would require displacing all residents for an extended construction period. “You’d have to change everything else in accordance with the current codes,” Nelson Smith said, adding a serious renovation would take at least two years.

Smith said the facility currently has 33 residents and that occupancy is down to roughly 35 percent because private providers and community options have expanded. He provided a current breakdown: 18 residents with intellectual disabilities, eight with mental health disorders and seven with dementia. Since the closure announcement, he said, 10 patients have been discharged and three additional discharges are planned by July, all individuals with developmental disabilities. He said no active, forced discharge process has begun and that “no steps are taken without their consent.”

State staff described a three‑subgroup planning process — supporting patients, supporting staff, and building community services — that includes DBHDS personnel, other agencies, parents, Hiram Davis staff and providers. Each subgroup’s plan is due August 1; staff will combine the subgroup plans into one comprehensive plan for the commission’s review. The combined plan is due to the commission, the money committees and the governor by Nov. 1, Nelson Smith said.

Agency officials also described how the Commonwealth plans to create or certify alternative skilled nursing beds. Smith said two homes at the Southeastern Virginia Training Center (SEVTC) could be renovated and certified as skilled nursing beds; permits are expected to be sought in November with certification by May 2026. He cautioned that adding nursing beds for people with developmental disabilities “is not considered integrated under the DOJ settlement agreement,” but noted Virginia code prevents discharging any Medicaid‑enrolled training center resident who chooses to remain.

Smith described transition options by clinical need: people with dementia are anticipated to move to mental‑health group homes or nursing facilities; those with serious mental illness and complex medical needs are likely to choose community nursing facilities; and many people with developmental disabilities may select waiver group homes, SEVTC options or an intermediate care facility, depending on preference and availability. He said subject‑matter experts indicate stabilization and rehabilitation options exist in the community, but that additional provider capacity and training may be needed.

Staffing and workforce considerations were a major focus. Smith said Hiram Davis employed 164 staff at the time of the closure announcement; 12 employees — about 7 percent of the workforce — have taken new positions since then. He said DBHDS is working to match staff to positions within a 50‑mile radius, including the new Central State Hospital expected to substantially complete construction in 2027, and plans to use retention bonuses and individualized career coaching to minimize layoffs. “Our goal is to have no layoffs,” he said.

Smith reiterated that the final decision on implementing any closure plan rests with the General Assembly and governor and that the department will solicit stakeholder feedback before forwarding a final plan for statutory review. He closed by restating a commitment to “work closely with families to transition their loved ones to a new setting that is safe, fulfilling and provides the supports that are needed.”

Commissioners asked about funding and timelines. Smith said the department has funds in the recent budget to begin renovations and expects an additional appropriation of $1,500,000 to support SEVTC renovations. He also warned that an emergency building failure could force an immediate evacuation and emergency placements, which would undercut deliberate planning.

Questions from commissioners emphasized family consent to moves, maintaining clinical services through Central State and SEVTC, and the need to avoid renovating more institutional beds than necessary while complying with the settlement and state law. The commission did not take formal action; staff expect to receive the planning team’s combined plan by Nov. 1 for review and potential recommendations to the General Assembly.","State health officials briefed the Joint Commission on Health Care on a planned closure of the 94‑bed Hiram Davis Medical Center, saying its aging infrastructure and infection risks prevent feasible renovation and describing a staged relocation plan and timeline that aims to avoid involuntary discharges.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Joint Commission adds two targeted Medicaid studies and adopts virtual participation policy

JCHC staff present interim findings in fentanyl study; Virginia shows recent drop in overdose deaths

Lawmakers increased health and human resources funding in 2025 budget; key Medicaid items remain contested

Virginia officials outline closure plan for Hiram Davis Medical Center, cite infrastructure and patient moves