{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/38.2-3407.11_2.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/38.2-3407.11_2.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/38.2-3407.11_2.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/38.2-3407.11_2.html"}],"law_id":71393,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71393,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11:2","catch_line":"Standing referral for cancer patients","history":"1999, c. 856.","full_text":"A\n\nEach (i) insurer proposing to issue individual or group accident and sickness insurance policies providing hospital, medical and surgical or major medical coverage on an expense incurred basis, (ii) corporation providing individual or group accident and sickness subscription contracts, and (iii) health maintenance organization providing a health care plan for health care services, whose policies, contracts or plans, including any certificate or evidence of coverage issued in connection with such policies, contracts or plans, shall have a procedure in place to permit any individual covered thereunder who has been diagnosed with cancer to have a standing referral to a board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist who is authorized to provide services under such policy, contract or plan and has been selected by the cancer patient.B\n\nThe board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist shall consult on a regular basis, as required under the terms of the policy, contract or plan, by telephone or through written communication, with the primary care physician and any oncologist providing care to the patient concerning the plan of pain management for the patient. Further, this section shall not be construed to authorize the board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist to direct the patient to other health care services.C\n\nNothing contained herein shall prohibit an insurer, corporation, or health maintenance organization from requiring a participating board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist to provide written notification to the cancer patient&#8217;s primary care physician of any visit to him. Such notification may include a description of the health care services rendered at the time of the visit.D\n\nEach insurer, corporation or health maintenance organization subject to the provisions of this section shall inform subscribers, in writing, within the policy or evidence of coverage of the provisions of this section.E\n\nThe requirements of this section shall apply to all insurance policies, contracts, and plans delivered, issued for delivery, reissued, renewed, or extended or at any time when any term of any such policy, contract, or plan is changed or any premium adjustment is made. The provisions of this section shall not apply to short-term travel or accident-only policies, to short-term nonrenewable policies of not more than six months&#8217; duration, or policies or contracts issued to persons eligible under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, known as Medicare, or any other similar coverage under state or federal governmental plans.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":257397,"text":"Each (i) insurer proposing to issue individual or group accident and sickness insurance policies providing hospital, medical and surgical or major medical coverage on an expense incurred basis, (ii) corporation providing individual or group accident and sickness subscription contracts, and (iii) health maintenance organization providing a health care plan for health care services, whose policies, contracts or plans, including any certificate or evidence of coverage issued in connection with such policies, contracts or plans, shall have a procedure in place to permit any individual covered thereunder who has been diagnosed with cancer to have a standing referral to a board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist who is authorized to provide services under such policy, contract or plan and has been selected by the cancer patient.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":257398,"text":"The board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist shall consult on a regular basis, as required under the terms of the policy, contract or plan, by telephone or through written communication, with the primary care physician and any oncologist providing care to the patient concerning the plan of pain management for the patient. Further, this section shall not be construed to authorize the board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist to direct the patient to other health care services.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":257399,"text":"Nothing contained herein shall prohibit an insurer, corporation, or health maintenance organization from requiring a participating board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist to provide written notification to the cancer patient&#8217;s primary care physician of any visit to him. Such notification may include a description of the health care services rendered at the time of the visit.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":257400,"text":"Each insurer, corporation or health maintenance organization subject to the provisions of this section shall inform subscribers, in writing, within the policy or evidence of coverage of the provisions of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":257401,"text":"The requirements of this section shall apply to all insurance policies, contracts, and plans delivered, issued for delivery, reissued, renewed, or extended or at any time when any term of any such policy, contract, or plan is changed or any premium adjustment is made. The provisions of this section shall not apply to short-term travel or accident-only policies, to short-term nonrenewable policies of not more than six months&#8217; duration, or policies or contracts issued to persons eligible under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, known as Medicare, or any other similar coverage under state or federal governmental plans.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12994,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12993,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","permalink":{"id":214889,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12994,"identifier":"1","token":"38.2\/34\/1","url":"\/38.2\/34\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12993,"edition_id":1,"name":"Provisions Relating to Accident and Sickness Insurance","identifier":"34","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12698,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","permalink":{"id":214887,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12993,"identifier":"34","token":"38.2\/34","url":"\/38.2\/34\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12698,"edition_id":1,"name":"Insurance","identifier":"38.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":210661,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12698,"identifier":"38.2","token":"38.2","url":"\/38.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":57593,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3400","catch_line":"Application of chapter","url":"\/38.2-3400\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3400","metadata":false},{"id":72072,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3401","catch_line":"Forms of insurance authorized","url":"\/38.2-3401\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3401","metadata":false},{"id":65240,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3402","catch_line":"Certification to accompany application","url":"\/38.2-3402\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3402","metadata":false},{"id":83988,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3403","catch_line":"Fraudulent procurement of policy","url":"\/38.2-3403\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3403","metadata":false},{"id":65279,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3404","catch_line":"Commission may establish rules and regulations for simplified and readable accident and sickness insurance policies","url":"\/38.2-3404\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3404","metadata":false},{"id":62539,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3405","catch_line":"Certain subrogation provisions and limitations upon recovery in hospital, medical, etc., policies forbidden; limitations on disclosure of medical treatment options prohibited","url":"\/38.2-3405\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3405","metadata":false},{"id":84136,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3405.1","catch_line":"Commonwealth's right to certain accident and sickness benefits","url":"\/38.2-3405.1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3405.1","metadata":false},{"id":70730,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3406","catch_line":"Accident and sickness benefits not subject to legal process","url":"\/38.2-3406\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3406","metadata":false},{"id":84333,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3406.1","catch_line":"Application of requirements that policies offered by small employers include state-mandated health benefits","url":"\/38.2-3406.1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3406.1","metadata":false},{"id":67972,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3406.2","catch_line":"Capped benefits under insurance policies and contracts","url":"\/38.2-3406.2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3406.2","metadata":false},{"id":76321,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407","catch_line":"Health benefit programs","url":"\/38.2-3407\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407","metadata":false},{"id":66921,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.1","catch_line":"Interest on accident and sickness claim proceeds","url":"\/38.2-3407.1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.1","metadata":false},{"id":58079,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.10","catch_line":"Health care provider panels","url":"\/38.2-3407.10\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.10","metadata":false},{"id":66411,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.10:1","catch_line":"Processing of new provider applications and reimbursement for services rendered during pendency of a participating provider's credentialing application","url":"\/38.2-3407.10_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.10_1","metadata":false},{"id":56463,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.10:2","catch_line":"Credentialing of private mental health agencies","url":"\/38.2-3407.10_2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.10_2","metadata":false},{"id":82372,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11","catch_line":"Access to obstetrician-gynecologists","url":"\/38.2-3407.11\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11","metadata":false},{"id":70024,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11:1","catch_line":"Access to specialists; standing referrals","url":"\/38.2-3407.11_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_1","metadata":false},{"id":71393,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11:2","catch_line":"Standing referral for cancer patients","url":"\/38.2-3407.11_2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_2","metadata":false},{"id":72434,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11:3","catch_line":"Breast cancer underwriting and preexisting condition restrictions","url":"\/38.2-3407.11_3\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_3","metadata":false},{"id":64402,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11:4","catch_line":"Disability arising out of childbirth; minimum benefit","url":"\/38.2-3407.11_4\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_4","metadata":false},{"id":66706,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11:5","catch_line":"Interhospital transfer for newborn or mother; prior authorization prohibited","url":"\/38.2-3407.11_5\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_5","metadata":false},{"id":68442,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.12","catch_line":"Patient optional point-of-service benefit","url":"\/38.2-3407.12\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.12","metadata":false},{"id":81634,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.13","catch_line":"Refusal to accept assignments prohibited; dentists and oral surgeons","url":"\/38.2-3407.13\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.13","metadata":false},{"id":79541,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.13:1","catch_line":"Coordination of benefits; notice of priority of coverage","url":"\/38.2-3407.13_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.13_1","metadata":false},{"id":87429,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.13:2","catch_line":"Claims paid to insureds for services from nonparticipating physicians","url":"\/38.2-3407.13_2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.13_2","metadata":false},{"id":60288,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.14","catch_line":"Notice of premium or deductible increases","url":"\/38.2-3407.14\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.14","metadata":false},{"id":82945,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.14:1","catch_line":"Standard of clinical evidence for decisions on coverage for proton radiation therapy","url":"\/38.2-3407.14_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.14_1","metadata":false},{"id":71060,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15","catch_line":"Ethics and fairness in carrier business practices","url":"\/38.2-3407.15\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15","metadata":false},{"id":79973,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15:1","catch_line":"Carrier contracts with pharmacy providers; required provisions; limit on termination or nonrenewal","url":"\/38.2-3407.15_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15_1","metadata":false},{"id":81930,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15:2","catch_line":"(Effective January 1, 2027) Carrier contracts; required provisions regarding prior authorization for drug benefits","url":"\/38.2-3407.15_2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15_2","metadata":false},{"id":77493,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15:3","catch_line":"Carrier and intermediary contracts with pharmacy providers; disclosure and updating of maximum allowable cost of drugs; limit on termination or nonrenewal","url":"\/38.2-3407.15_3\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15_3","metadata":false},{"id":73491,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15:4","catch_line":"Limit on copayment for prescription drugs; permitted disclosures","url":"\/38.2-3407.15_4\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15_4","metadata":false},{"id":57527,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15:5","catch_line":"Limit on cost-sharing payments for prescription insulin drugs","url":"\/38.2-3407.15_5\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15_5","metadata":false},{"id":80337,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15:6","catch_line":"Prescription drug price transparency","url":"\/38.2-3407.15_6\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15_6","metadata":false},{"id":87317,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15:7","catch_line":"Carrier provision of certain information","url":"\/38.2-3407.15_7\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15_7","metadata":false},{"id":82040,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.15:8","catch_line":"(Effective January 1, 2027) Carrier contracts; required provisions regarding prior authorization for health care services","url":"\/38.2-3407.15_8\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.15_8","metadata":false},{"id":76440,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.16","catch_line":"Requirements for obstetrical care","url":"\/38.2-3407.16\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.16","metadata":false},{"id":64799,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.17","catch_line":"Payment for services by dentists and oral surgeons","url":"\/38.2-3407.17\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.17","metadata":false},{"id":55530,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.17:1","catch_line":"Payment and reimbursement practices for dental services; network access","url":"\/38.2-3407.17_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.17_1","metadata":false},{"id":81770,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.18","catch_line":"Requirements for orally administered cancer chemotherapy drugs","url":"\/38.2-3407.18\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.18","metadata":false},{"id":83502,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.19","catch_line":"Payment for services by optometrists and ophthalmologists","url":"\/38.2-3407.19\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.19","metadata":false},{"id":77646,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.2","catch_line":"Coverage for medical child support","url":"\/38.2-3407.2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.2","metadata":false},{"id":73127,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.20","catch_line":"Calculation of enrollee's contribution to out-of-pocket maximum or cost-sharing requirement","url":"\/38.2-3407.20\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.20","metadata":false},{"id":57407,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.21","catch_line":"Short-term limited-duration medical plans","url":"\/38.2-3407.21\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.21","metadata":false},{"id":85964,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.22","catch_line":"Option for rebates to enrollees; 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freedom of choice","url":"\/38.2-3407.7\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.7","metadata":false},{"id":73400,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.8","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/38.2-3407.8\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.8","metadata":false},{"id":72540,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.9","catch_line":"Reimbursement for emergency medical services vehicle transportation services","url":"\/38.2-3407.9\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.9","metadata":false},{"id":62232,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.9:01","catch_line":"Prescription drug formularies","url":"\/38.2-3407.9_01\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.9_01","metadata":false},{"id":62074,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.9:02","catch_line":"Requirement for prescription drug coverage","url":"\/38.2-3407.9_02\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.9_02","metadata":false},{"id":68601,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.9:03","catch_line":"Payment of clean claims to administrators of pharmacy benefits","url":"\/38.2-3407.9_03\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.9_03","metadata":false},{"id":56568,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.9:04","catch_line":"Medication synchronization","url":"\/38.2-3407.9_04\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.9_04","metadata":false},{"id":71499,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.9:05","catch_line":"Step therapy protocols","url":"\/38.2-3407.9_05\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.9_05","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":70024,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11:1","catch_line":"Access to specialists; standing referrals","url":"\/38.2-3407.11_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":72434,"structure_id":12994,"section_number":"38.2-3407.11:3","catch_line":"Breast cancer underwriting and preexisting condition restrictions","url":"\/38.2-3407.11_3\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_3","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/38.2-3407.11:2\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1999. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?991+ful+CHAP0856\">856<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":214959,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71393,"identifier":"38.2-3407.11:2","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_2","url":"\/38.2-3407.11_2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/38.2-3407.11_2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/1\/38.2-3407.11_2","dublin_core":{"Title":"Standing referral for cancer patients","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 38.2-3407.11:2","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> Each (i) <span class=\"dictionary\">insurer<\/span> proposing to <span class=\"dictionary\">issue<\/span> individual or group accident and sickness <span class=\"dictionary\">insurance policies<\/span> providing hospital, medical and surgical or major medical coverage on an expense incurred basis, (ii) corporation providing individual or group accident and sickness subscription <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span>, and (iii) health maintenance organization providing a health care plan for health care services, whose policies, <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span> or plans, including any certificate or <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span> of coverage issued in connection with such policies, <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span> or plans, shall have a procedure in place to permit any individual covered thereunder who has been diagnosed with cancer to have a standing referral to a board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist who is authorized to provide services under such policy, <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> or plan and has been selected by the cancer patient. <a id=\"paragraph-257397\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/38.2-3407.11_2\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> The board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist shall consult on a regular basis, as required under the terms of the policy, <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> or plan, by telephone or through written communication, with the primary care physician and any oncologist providing care to the patient concerning the plan of pain management for the patient. Further, this section shall not be construed to authorize the board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist to direct the patient to other health care services. <a id=\"paragraph-257398\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/38.2-3407.11_2\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> Nothing contained herein shall prohibit an <span class=\"dictionary\">insurer<\/span>, corporation, or health maintenance organization from requiring a participating board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist to provide written notification to the cancer patient&#8217;s primary care physician of any visit to him. Such notification may include a description of the health care services rendered at the time of the visit. <a id=\"paragraph-257399\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/38.2-3407.11_2\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> Each <span class=\"dictionary\">insurer<\/span>, corporation or health maintenance organization subject to the provisions of this section shall inform subscribers, in writing, within the policy or <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span> of coverage of the provisions of this section. <a id=\"paragraph-257400\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/38.2-3407.11_2\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> The requirements of this section shall apply to all <span class=\"dictionary\">insurance policies<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span>, and plans delivered, issued for delivery, reissued, renewed, or extended or at any time when any term of any such policy, <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span>, or plan is changed or any premium adjustment is made. The provisions of this section shall not apply to short-term travel or accident-only policies, to short-term nonrenewable policies of not more than six months&#8217; duration, or policies or <span class=\"dictionary\">contracts<\/span> issued to <span class=\"dictionary\">persons<\/span> eligible under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, known as <span class=\"dictionary\">Medicare<\/span>, or any other similar coverage under <span class=\"dictionary\">state<\/span> or federal governmental plans. <a id=\"paragraph-257401\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/38.2-3407.11_2\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSTANDING REFERRAL FOR CANCER PATIENTS (\u00a7 38.2-3407.11:2)\n\nA. Each (i) insurer proposing to issue individual or group accident and sickness\ninsurance policies providing hospital, medical and surgical or major medical\ncoverage on an expense incurred basis, (ii) corporation providing individual or\ngroup accident and sickness subscription contracts, and (iii) health maintenance\norganization providing a health care plan for health care services, whose\npolicies, contracts or plans, including any certificate or evidence of coverage\nissued in connection with such policies, contracts or plans, shall have a\nprocedure in place to permit any individual covered thereunder who has been\ndiagnosed with cancer to have a standing referral to a board-certified physician\nin pain management or oncologist who is authorized to provide services under\nsuch policy, contract or plan and has been selected by the cancer patient.\n\nB. The board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist shall consult\non a regular basis, as required under the terms of the policy, contract or plan,\nby telephone or through written communication, with the primary care physician\nand any oncologist providing care to the patient concerning the plan of pain\nmanagement for the patient. Further, this section shall not be construed to\nauthorize the board-certified physician in pain management or oncologist to\ndirect the patient to other health care services.\n\nC. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit an insurer, corporation, or health\nmaintenance organization from requiring a participating board-certified\nphysician in pain management or oncologist to provide written notification to\nthe cancer patient&#8217;s primary care physician of any visit to him. Such\nnotification may include a description of the health care services rendered at\nthe time of the visit.\n\nD. Each insurer, corporation or health maintenance organization subject to the\nprovisions of this section shall inform subscribers, in writing, within the\npolicy or evidence of coverage of the provisions of this section.\n\nE. The requirements of this section shall apply to all insurance policies,\ncontracts, and plans delivered, issued for delivery, reissued, renewed, or\nextended or at any time when any term of any such policy, contract, or plan is\nchanged or any premium adjustment is made. The provisions of this section shall\nnot apply to short-term travel or accident-only policies, to short-term\nnonrenewable policies of not more than six months&#8217; duration, or policies\nor contracts issued to persons eligible under Title XVIII of the Social Security\nAct, known as Medicare, or any other similar coverage under state or federal\ngovernmental plans.\n\nHISTORY: 1999, c. 856.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}