Virginia HB 146: Health Care Learning Lab and Regulatory Improvement Program; established, report, sunset.

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101887D

HOUSE BILL NO. 146

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 5, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 32.1 a chapter numbered 21, consisting of sections numbered 32.1-376 through 32.1-383, relating to Health Care Learning Lab and Regulatory Improvement Program established.

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Patron—Williams

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Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 32.1 a chapter numbered 21, consisting of sections numbered 32.1-376 through 32.1-383, as follows:

CHAPTER 21.

HEALTH CARE LEARNING LAB AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

§ 32.1-376. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Blockchain technology" means the use of a digital database containing records of transactions that can be simultaneously used and shared within a decentralized, publicly accessible network and can record transactions between two parties in a verifiable and permanent way.

"Hackathon" means a conference or meeting in collaboration with specialists in health care, innovation and technology, finance, and education, and other relevant parties with the express intention of solving specific concerns of health care or the health care market within the Commonwealth.

"Health care product or service" means a health care product or service that requires state licensure or other authorization pursuant to this title, including those products or services that incorporate a business model, delivery mechanism, or element that requires licensure or other authorization to do business or act as a producer or consultant.

"Innovative health care approach or delivery method" means the manner in which an established health care product or service is deployed or provided, including the use of blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and telehealth or telemedicine, to address a problem or otherwise offer a product, service, business, or delivery mechanism within the Commonwealth or a region of the Commonwealth.

"Program" means the Health Care Learning Lab and Regulatory Improvement Program.

"Test" means to provide an innovative health care approach or delivery method in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

§ 32.1-377. Health Care Learning Lab and Regulatory Improvement Program established.

A. The Health Care Learning Lab and Regulatory Improvement Program is established to foster the development of innovative health care products or services by allowing Program participants to obtain limited access to the market in the Commonwealth to test an innovative health care approach or delivery method without obtaining a license or other authorization that would otherwise be required for the provision of such innovative health care approach or delivery method in the Commonwealth. As part of the Program, the Department may host or participate in health care hackathons to support the development of innovative health care products or services.

B. In establishing the Program, the Department may enter into agreements with the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and follow best practices of other states that are administering similar programs.

C. The Board shall adopt regulations that are consistent with this chapter and shall establish a schedule of fees for applications for participation in the Program, to be applied to expenses for the administration and operation of the Program.

D. If the Commissioner has a conflicting interest, as determined by the Board, in an application, applicant, or participant, the Commissioner shall designate an employee of the Department who does not have a conflicting interest in such application, applicant, or participant to exercise the powers and carry out the duties of the Commissioner set forth in this chapter with regard to the application, applicant, or participant. If a member of the Board has a conflicting interest in an application, applicant, or participant, such member shall not participate in any decision regarding the existence of a conflict on behalf of the Commissioner with regard to such application, applicant, or participant.

§ 32.1-378. Application; review of applications; approval or denial.

A. A person who wishes to participate in the Program shall submit to the Department an application on a form approved by the Board together with a fee prescribed by the Board. Such form shall:

1. Demonstrate that the applicant is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth;

2. Demonstrate that the applicant has established a physical or virtual location that is adequately accessible to the Department, from which testing will be delivered and performed and where all required records, documents, and data will be maintained;

3. Include personal and contact information for the applicant, including legal names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, website address