Why 4/5: This bill directly impacts patient access to prescription drugs and the operational processes for health insurance carriers regarding prior authorizations.
Health insurance carriers in Virginia would be required to honor approved prior authorizations for prescription drugs for a minimum of six months for initial authorizations and 12 months for continued authorizations. This change aims to provide patients with more stable access to their prescribed medications by limiting how frequently carriers can revoke or modify approvals, except under specific safety or efficacy concerns.
Cleared committee
Reported from Commerce and Labor (13-Y 0-N)
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Rules suspended
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Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
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Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB736ER)
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB736)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Health insurance; required provisions regarding prior authorization for prescription drugs.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 213 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0213)