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Tuesday, July 7, 2026

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VA · HB656INTRO · 9 COSPONSORS

Mental health & substance abuse disorders; network adequacy standards, comparative analyses.

Where it is in the process
Plain-English Summary

Mental health and substance abuse disorders; network adequacy standards; comparative analyses; report; emergency regulations. Directs the Department of Health to issue regulations that include quantitative network adequacy standards for timely access to care, travel time, and geographical distance that are at least as stringent as those imposed for qualified health plans and qualified dental plans. The bill amends the definitions of "mental health services" and "substance abuse services" for the…

Source: OpenStates · fetched April 13, 2026

Who it affects
Mental health service user

Increases timely access to mental health services by establishing stricter network adequacy standards for providers.

Mental health service user

Expands the definition of mental health services, potentially broadening the scope of covered treatments.

AI-extracted
Who This AffectsAI analysis
  • Mental health service userdirectModerate impactHigh certainty

    Increases timely access to mental health services by establishing stricter network adequacy standards for providers.

    quantitative network adequacy standards for timely access to care, travel time, and geographical distance· Directs the Department of Health to issue regulations that include quantitative network adequacy standards for timely access to care, travel time, and geographical distance that are at least as stringent as those imposed for qualified health plans and qualified dental plans.
  • Mental health service userdirectModerate impactHigh certainty

    Expands the definition of mental health services, potentially broadening the scope of covered treatments.

    amends the definitions of "mental health services"· The bill amends the definitions of "mental health services" and "substance abuse services" for the…
What the Bill Does
  • Establishes quantitative network adequacy standards for timely access to mental health and substance abuse care.
  • Standards will cover travel time and geographical distance, matching or exceeding those for qualified health and dental plans.
  • Amends definitions of mental health and substance abuse services.
Votes
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