Why 3/5: It modifies staffing requirements for specific psychiatric emergency departments, impacting their operational model and potentially service delivery.
This bill allows psychiatric emergency departments in Hampton to operate without a physician on duty under specific conditions, such as being immediately adjacent to a non-psychiatric emergency department. These departments would be required to submit annual treatment data to the General Assembly, providing oversight on this operational change.
First reading
Read first time
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services
Cleared committee
Reported from Health and Human Services (20-Y 2-N)
Second reading
Read second time
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed House (92-Y 4-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB738ER)
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB738)
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 (“Hospitals; emergency department physicians.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 297 (effective 7/1/2026)
Update
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0297)