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HB 1391

Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network; established.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Betsy Carr and 11 co-sponsors

Virginia establishes a sickle cell disease coordinated care network to improve healthcare access and integration for affected patients across the state.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 838 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1391

Legislative bill overview

HB 1391 establishes a Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network in Virginia, creating a structured system to improve healthcare coordination and access for individuals with sickle cell disease. The bill appears to consolidate resources and services across the state's healthcare system to provide better integrated care for this patient population.

Why is this important

Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects African Americans and causes significant morbidity and mortality if not properly managed. A coordinated network can reduce emergency department visits, improve preventive care, and enhance quality of life by ensuring patients receive consistent, comprehensive care across multiple providers and institutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding requirements: The subcommittee's referral to Appropriations suggests fiscal concerns about establishing and maintaining the network infrastructure without clear funding mechanisms
  • Scope and implementation details: The substitute recommendation indicates significant revisions were needed, raising questions about the original bill's feasibility or whether stakeholders disagreed on the network's structure and authority
  • Coordination burden: Establishing new networks requires buy-in from multiple healthcare systems; unclear how the state will compel participation or resolve conflicts between institutions with different priorities

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

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