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Virginia Legislature (healthcare bills) · April 13, 2026 · Primary source

VA SB 524: Mental health & substance abuse disorders; network adequacy standards, comparative analyses, report.

Score 90PRIMARYregulatoryState legislatureVA

Summary

Virginia Senate Bill 524, introduced in the 2026 session, directs the Department of Health to issue emergency regulations establishing quantitative network adequacy standards for mental health and substance abuse services, including timely access, travel time, and geographic distance, that are at least as stringent as those for qualified health plans. The bill amends definitions of "mental health services" and "substance abuse services" for health insurance coverage and requires health carriers to submit all comparative analyses (parity analyses) to the Department, with an annual summary report to the General Assembly. The excerpt does not indicate final enactment status or effective date.

What this may mean

Could significantly affect health plans and Medicaid managed care organizations contracting for behavioral health and addiction treatment services in Virginia by imposing stricter network adequacy standards and enhanced parity compliance reporting. Behavioral health providers may experience changes in network contracting and credentialing practices as carriers adjust to meet quantitative adequacy thresholds. Organizations operating in Virginia should monitor for final regulatory language and implementation timelines, particularly those subject to MHPAEA and state parity enforcement.

Informational only. Not legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional familiar with your specific facts before relying on any item.

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