VA HB335

Establishes the Independent Pharmacy Access and Resilience Pilot Program within the Virginia Department of Health to strengthen pharmacy services in medically underserved communities and areas at risk of pharmacy closure

Limits participation to no more than 12 independently owned pharmacies that serve vulnerable populations, participate in Medicaid or Medicare Part D, and demonstrate workforce strain or closure risk

Requires a pre-implementation planning phase during fiscal year 2026-2027 to identify eligible communities based on criteria including pharmacy desert status, poverty levels above 200% federal poverty line, and transportation barriers

Program implementation is contingent upon express appropriation by the General Assembly or certification that sufficient nongeneral funds have been secured, with the Department required to pursue nongeneral funds before requesting state support

Mandates an interim evaluation report by November 1, 2028 and a final report by November 1, 2029, with the entire program set to expire on July 1, 2030