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SB 1038

Telehealth visits for patients with disabilities; best practice educational training.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stella Pekarsky and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia requires providers to receive telehealth training for disability accessibility, improving patient care starting July 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0323)
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Bill Summary · SB 1038

Legislative bill overview

SB 1038 requires Virginia to establish and provide best practice educational training on conducting telehealth visits for patients with disabilities. The bill mandates that healthcare providers and telehealth platforms receive guidance on accessibility standards and communication techniques tailored to patients with various disabilities. This training becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Telehealth has expanded healthcare access significantly, but patients with disabilities often face barriers when using these platforms due to inadequate accessibility features and provider unfamiliarity with disability-specific communication needs. This bill addresses a real gap by ensuring systematic training, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing disparities for an estimated 4+ million Virginians with disabilities who rely on telehealth services.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Healthcare providers and platforms must develop, deliver, or participate in training programs, raising questions about who bears financial responsibility and whether adequate state funding is allocated
  • Training standards ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify what constitutes "best practices" or who defines them, potentially leading to inconsistent quality across providers
  • Scope limitations: The legislation focuses on training rather than mandating specific accessibility features or technologies, which some disability advocates may view as insufficient

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

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