Subcommittee reports a slate of health and licensure bills to full committee; most passed unanimously

The Senate health subcommittee reported a package of bills to the full committee, moving measures on occupational‑licensing transparency, licensure by endorsement, midwifery practice parity, EMS pharmacy registration, nursing home insurance requirements, dental faculty licensure, pharmacy compounding within health systems, correctional facility medication stock, and procedures for rescheduling an FDA‑approved synthetic psilocybin product.

Most measures passed the subcommittee by recorded voice votes that were recorded as unanimous (Aye 4, No 0). Several bills took substitutes or technical amendments and were reported with staff direction for continued work on implementation language.

Selected outcomes and short summaries (actions taken by the subcommittee):

- SB 826 — Occupational licensing and criminal history: The bill would restrict use of vague phrases such as “good moral character” in licensing denials and require boards to notify applicants in writing of specific offenses and the reasons a conviction relates to licensing. Supporters including reentry and housing organizations and the Virginia REALTORS testified. The subcommittee voted to report the bill to the full committee (Aye 4, No 0).

- SB 1438 — Licensure by endorsement pathway: The bill directs boards regulated by the Department of Health Professions to create…