Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 32.1 a section numbered 32.1-331.06 as follows:
§32.1-331.06. Annual review of medications and treatment for sickle cell disease; report.
A. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall conduct an annual review of all medications, services, and forms of treatment for sickle cell disease available to individuals with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease who are eligible for coverage under the state plan for medical assistance. The purpose of the annual review is to determine (i) if the available covered medications, treatments, and services are adequate to meet the needs of enrollees with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease and (ii) whether the Department of Medical Assistance Services should seek to expand coverage for additional medications, treatments, or services.
B. When conducting the annual review required by this section, the Department of Medical Assistance Services shall solicit and consider input from the general public, with specific emphasis on input from persons or groups with knowledge and experience in the area of sickle cell disease treatment.
C. By November 15 of each year, the Department of Medical
Assistance Services shall prepare and submit a report that details the
Department's findings from the annual review required by this section, as well
as any recommendations to the General Assembly based upon those findings, to
the Chairmen of the House Committee on Health [ , Welfare and
Institutions and Human Services ] and the Senate Committee on
Education and Health and to the Joint Commission on Health Care. The report
shall be submitted for publication as a report document as provided in the
procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing
of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General
Assembly's website and the Department's website.