Del. Rasoul to introduce 3 healthcare bills in 2021 session
ROANOKE, Va. (WSET) — Del. Sam Rasoul will be focusing his legislative efforts on healthcare in the 2021 General Assembly session that begins Wednesday.
RELATED: Virginia senators gear up for abnormal session amid COVID-19
Rasoul announced Wednesday that he filed three bills that will help improve access to healthcare for millions of Virginians.
“After almost a year of dealing with COVID-19, we clearly need to focus on improving healthcare in Virginia,” said Rasoul. “There are healthcare professionals who can and should be able to provide certain health services. These bills aim to remove barriers while ensuring quality and safety for patients.”
RELATED: Delegate Sam Rasoul announces candidacy for Virginia Lt. Governor
The three bills are:
- HB 2079 - Expands access to patient care via pharmacies
- HB 2044 - Improves access to qualified healthcare professionals by licensing naturopathic doctors
- HB 2039 - Eliminates the requirement that a physician assistant enter into a practice agreement with a single patient care team physician
Rasoul notes that naturopathic doctors are currently unable to order any lab testing, such as COVID-19 screenings, or sending patients for x-rays.
“There are powerful special interests that don’t want these desperately needed reforms,” said Rasoul. “Private special interest groups should not be driving our healthcare policy decisions in Virginia. As we recover from COVID-19, we should utilize all of our resources and health professionals. That includes naturopathic doctors and pharmacists.”
In addition, HB 2079 would also make permanent pharmacists’ temporary ability to give vaccinations to adults.
“Healthcare is at the top of Virginians’ concerns right now,” said Rasoul. “I’m going to be working hard with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure all three of these bills become law.”
