Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 481: Prior authorization; requiring physician review for denial.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 481 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 12, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Prior authorization; requiring physician review for denial. Primary sponsor: Patrick Hope (Democratic). It lists 4 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (April 13, 2026): Approved by Governor-Chapter 925 (effective 7/1/2026).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Prior authorization; requiring physician review for denial. Prohibits a health insurance carrier from making an adverse determination of a prior authorization request (i) for prescription drugs unless such denial has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician or, if a licensed physician is not available, by a licensed pharmacist or (ii) for health care services unless such adverse determination has been reviewed and approved by (a) a licensed physician; (b) in the case of mental health services, a licensed mental health provider if a licensed physician is unavailable; or (c) in the case of dental services, a licensed dentist if a licensed physician is unavailable.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Hope | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 1 |
| Elizabeth Bennett-Parker | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 39 |
| Rae Cousins | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 79 |
| Cia Price | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 85 |
| Kathy Tran | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 18 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 925 (effective 7/1/2026)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB481)
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
- Signed by Speaker
- Signed by President
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB481ER)
- Enrolled
- Senate substitute agreed to by House (98-Y 1-N 0-A)
- Passed by for the day
- Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB481)
- Passed Senate with substitute Block Vote (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Showing 12 most recent of 36 actions. Full history