                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COUNCIL (§ 32.1-73.15)

The Council shall have the power and duty to:

1. Within the first year, hold public hearings and make inquiries of and solicit
comments from the public to assist the Council in understanding the scope of
rare diseases in the Commonwealth and the impact of rare diseases on individuals
in the Commonwealth.

2. Conduct research and consult with experts to develop policy recommendations
related to:
			a. Improving access to health care and other services for individuals with
rare diseases, including access to health insurance, specialists, health care
services, and other necessary services for individuals with rare diseases;
			b. The impact of health insurance coverage, cost sharing, tiers, or other
utilization management procedures on access to health care and other necessary
services; and
			c. The impact of providing coverage under the state program for medical
assistance services for approved health care services and medications for rare
diseases.

3. Publish a list of existing publicly accessible resources on research,
diagnosis, treatment, and education relating to rare diseases on the
Council&#8217;s webpage.

4. Submit annually by October 1 a report to the Governor and the General
Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of
the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative
documents and reports. The annual report shall (i) describe the activities and
recommendations of the Council and (ii) describe the status of funding available
to the Council, including information regarding any grants applied for and
received by the Council.

5. Apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations from public or
private sources to enable the Council to better carry out its objectives.

HISTORY: 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 303.