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SB 1039

DOC and State Board of Local and Regional Jails; policies on inmate participation in telehealth.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stella Pekarsky

Virginia requires DOC and local jails to establish telehealth policies for incarcerated individuals, expanding remote healthcare access starting July 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0427)
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Bill Summary · SB 1039

Legislative bill overview

SB 1039 requires the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) and the State Board of Local and Regional Jails to establish policies enabling incarcerated individuals to participate in telehealth services. The bill mandates development of guidelines for remote medical consultations, mental health services, and other healthcare delivery through approved technology platforms while maintaining security and custody standards.

Why is this important

Incarcerated populations face documented barriers to adequate healthcare, including treatment delays and limited specialist access. Telehealth can reduce costs associated with medical transport, decrease security risks during off-site appointments, and improve health outcomes by enabling faster diagnosis and follow-up care. This directly affects roughly 38,000 incarcerated Virginians and creates operational efficiency gains for correctional facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Technology access and equity: Not all facilities may have equivalent infrastructure, creating disparities in service quality between well-funded and under-resourced jails
  • Security concerns: Telehealth implementation requires balancing privacy protections for medical consultations against legitimate custody and surveillance interests
  • Cost allocation: Unclear whether facilities or the state absorbs expenses for technology infrastructure, equipment upgrades, and ongoing operational costs
  • Scope limitations: The bill doesn't specify which medical services qualify or establish standards for provider qualifications and liability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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