Virginia Health Insurance Regulations
The state of Virginia put in place various laws and regulations for health insurance as well as various health related programs that are available in the state. The insurance laws and regulations passed by the state government are administered by the Bureau of Insurance, which is part of the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
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Emergency Treatment
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Virginia laws direct health care providers such as a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to provide access to 24-hour medical care. The laws stipulate 24-hour access via telephone to a licensed health professional or a physician. All Health Maintenance Organizations in the state are required to provide to their members a description or detailed information to follow for access to emergency services.
Medically Indignant
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Virginia allows the for the Board of Health to determine the income levels an individual of family needs to meet to be recognized as medically indignant. This means that individuals and families who cannot afford any type of health care will have services provided by the State Department of Health free of charge. The Board of Health may also detail the charges or fees to be paid by individuals and families that are not found to be medically indignant.
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Patient Records
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In Virginia a patient's medical records cannot be removed from the premises of a health care provider or a facility where they are maintained. Records can only be removed with the approval of the health care entity or a court order or other type or written request. Health care providers do need to disclose health records to an individual who needs information about his health records. Virginia law also makes it a crime to falsify a patient's medical records. Falsifying records is punishable as a misdemeanor offense.
Notice to Parent
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Health care providers in Virginia are required under law to notify a parent before performing an abortion procedure on a minor. Virginia law gives juvenile and family courts jurisdiction regarding whom a notification is sent. This can include a parent, a legal guardian or a legal custodian of the minor. Exceptions are given when abuse or neglect is suspected or a procedure is medically necessary to prevent death or physical injury.
Continued Coverage
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Insurance laws in the state of Virginia allow a disabled person as well as surviving dependent or spouse of a disabled person to continue health insurance coverage. Continued coverage will also be afforded to the surviving spouse and dependents of special groups such as police officers and firefighters. The cost of continued coverage is paid for by the general fund of the state treasury. Coverage will only be provided if a disability or death occurs while on the job or while on duty.
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