VA SB239

Directs the State Health Commissioner to task the State Health Services Plan Task Force with developing recommendations for designating areas of Virginia with identifiable need for additional healthcare projects

Requires the Task Force to consider geographic, socioeconomic, cultural, transportation, and other barriers to healthcare access when identifying underserved areas

Mandates the Task Force develop specific criteria for determining when expedited review should apply to projects in designated need areas, with recommendations due to the Senate Committee on Education and Health by October 1, 2026

Requires the Board of Health to update regulations implementing expedited application and review processes for certain certificate of need projects by January 1, 2027