SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY (https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Comments.cfm?GdocForumID=387)
October 13, 2020
Elaine J. Yeatts
Agency Regulatory Coordinator
Virginia Department of Health Professions
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23233
Re: Reporting by Hospitals and Other Health Care Institutions; Revised Guidance Document 76-34
Dear Ms. Yeatts,
Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (“VHHA”) appreciates the opportunity to submit comments to the Department of Health Professions in response to the revised Guidance Document, Reporting by Hospitals and Other Health Care Institutions 76-34.
During the 2020 General Assembly, VHHA supported HB471 (Collins) and SB540 (Vogel) making various clarifications to Va. Code § 54.1-2400.6 as applied to health care providers obligated to report disciplinary actions and unprofessional conduct. VHHA likewise supports the revised Guidance Document 76-34 as it helps to further support and implement these recent changes to law and will be very useful for reporters going forward.
We do, however, have some comments and suggestions on the document that we are respectfully submitting for your consideration:
On behalf of VHHA, thank you for your work to assist health care providers in complying with this important law and the opportunity to submit public comment on the Revised Guidance Document.
Sincerely,
R. Brent Rawlings
Senior Vice President & General Counsel