HD35 - House Bill 1360 (1996): Direct Reimbursement of Certified Nurse-Midwives
Executive Summary: During the 1996 Session of the General Assembly, the House Committee on Corporations, Insurance and Banking referred House Bill 1360 to the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Commission). House Bill 1360 is patroned by Delegate Robert F. McDonnell. The Advisory Commission held a hearing on August 20, 1996, in Richmond to receive public comments on House Bill 1360. In addition to the patron, eight speakers addressed the proposals. Three representatives from the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and two concerned citizens spoke in favor of the bill. Representatives of Trigon BlueCross BlueShield and the Health Insurance Association of America spoke in opposition to the measure. A representative of the Medical Society of Virginia also provided comments on the bill. In addition, written comments in support of the bill were provided by Blue Ridge Women's Health Center, P.L.C., Shenandoah Memorial Hospital, Twin County Regional Hospital, Blue Ridge Physicians for Women, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Virginia Chapter of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, Northern Virginia Regional Perinatal Coordinating Council, Virginia Nurses Association, three certified nurse-midwives, and a concerned citizen. In addition, Virginia Manufacturers Association, Virginia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Trigon BlueCross BlueShield, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Health Insurance Association of America and Virginia Association of Health Maintenance Organizations submitted comments in opposition to House Bill 1360. The Advisory Commission concluded its review of House Bill 1360 on September 19, 1996. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION\ The bill requires an accident and sickness insurance policy to provide reimbursement for any services that may be legally performed by a person licensed in this Commonwealth as a certified nurse-midwife if the service is covered by the policy. Reimbursement under the policy shall not be denied because the service is rendered by the licensed practitioner. In addition, a nonstock corporation shall not fail or refuse, either directly or indirectly, to allow or to pay to a subscriber for all or any part of the health services rendered by any certified nurse-midwife licensed to practice in Virginia, if the services rendered (i) are services provided for by the subscription contract and (ii) are services which the certified nurse-midwife is licensed to render in this Commonwealth. |
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