Senate health subcommittee advances wide package of maternal, pediatric and facility bills; panel issues recommendations on 25 measures

The Senate Health Subcommittee convened to consider a heavy docket of health-related bills, hear testimony from state and provider witnesses, and move most measures forward with committee recommendations and recorded votes.

The hearing included discussion of bills to set the number and funding formula for regional emergency medical services councils; create a maternal health coordinator program with staff in each health district; adopt statewide clinical safety bundles for obstetric emergencies; require Medicaid coverage for rapid whole-genome sequencing for critically ill children under age 3; expand access to doulas and Medicaid postpartum doula coverage; require hospital reporting of workplace violence incidents; and establish intermediate sanctions and penalties for underperforming nursing homes.

Why it matters: the subcommittee’s actions affect funding formulas, program structures and regulatory authority that shape how emergency medical services, maternal care and long-term care are delivered in the Commonwealth. Several measures also touch Medicaid coverage and program administration, which may require further review by Finance and the full Education and Health Committee.

Major testimony and points

- EMS councils (SB 1294): Senator Diggs presented an amendment that would require the Department of Health to designate between seven and 11 regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) councils and to direct 50 percent (revised from 55%) of certain funds distributed from motor vehicle registration fees to regional EMS councils for operational support. Ed Rhodes and Steve Simon, representing regional EMS councils, said the councils have operated for decades and that codifying the councils and the funding formula would stabilize support. Steve Simon said, “It is it is very important that that this bill goes through and we hope that you take this under consideration to continue to support the MS system in Virginia.” The subcommittee recommended the bill to the next committee with a recorded recommendation (ayes 4, no 0, abstention 1).

- Maternal health coordinator program (SB 1347): Senator Jordan described a statewide maternal health coordinator program placing a coordinator in each of Virginia’s 35 health districts, plus five regional supervisors, to provide case management, home visiting and education. The sponsor framed the bill as a response to personal experience with a postpartum emergency and said coordinators would connect families to available resources. Supporters included hospital groups, midwives and nursing organizations. The substitute was recommended to the…