                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL (§ 32.1-138.9)

Each private review agent shall file an application with the Department which
shall meet the following minimum standards and any additional standards
established by regulation pursuant to § 32.1-138.15, and pay a filing fee
established by the Department, in order to be approved by the Department:

1. A description of the procedures to be used in evaluating proposed or
delivered hospital, medical, or other health care services;

2. The procedures by which patients or providers may seek reconsideration of
determinations by private review agents;

3. The type and qualifications of the personnel either employed or under
contract to perform the utilization review;

4. Procedures and policies which ensure that patient-specific medical records
and information shall be kept strictly confidential except as authorized by the
patient or by regulations adopted pursuant to this article; and

5. Assurances that reviewers be readily accessible by telephone to patients and
providers at least forty hours per week during normal business hours.

HISTORY: 1990, c. 826, § 38.2-5302; 1998, c. 129.