Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 476: Health insurance; prior authorization requests reviewed by physician.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 476 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Health insurance; prior authorization requests reviewed by physician. Primary sponsor: Bill DeSteph (Republican). Most recent recorded action (January 26, 2026): Passed by indefinitely in Commerce and Labor (8-Y 6-N).
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.
Health insurance; prior authorization requests reviewed by physician. Requires a provider contract between a health insurance carrier and a provider to contain provisions requiring (i) any decision to deny a prior authorization request for drug benefits or health care services is made by a licensed physician who is (a) an expert in the treatment of the enrollee's medical condition that is the subject of the prior authorization request and (b) knowledgeable about the recommended health care service or treatment through recent or current actual clinical experience treating patients with the same or similar medical condition of the enrollee and (ii) if the carrier is questioning the medical necessity of the request, the carrier will provide the enrollee's physician an opportunity to discuss the medical necessity of the health care service with the physician who will be responsible for determining authorization of the health care service or drug benefit under review.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill DeSteph | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Passed by indefinitely in Commerce and Labor (8-Y 6-N)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB476)
- Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100972D