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2022 Session

Budget Amendments - SB30 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Deeds
Medicaid Demonstration Program on Acupuncture Services

Item 304 #52s

Item 304 #52s

First Year - FY2023 Second Year - FY2024
Health and Human Resources
Department of Medical Assistance Services FY2023 $100,000 FY2024 $100,000 GF
FY2023 $100,000 FY2024 $100,000 NGF

Language
Page 313, line 47, strike "$18,732,988,737" and insert "$18,733,188,737".
Page 313, line 47, strike "$19,820,607,534" and insert "$19,820,807,534".

Page 340, after line 10, insert:

"PPPP.1. Out of this appropriation, $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year and a like amount of federal matching Medicaid funds shall be provided to implement a demonstration project to offer acupuncture services by licensed acupuncturists to Medicaid enrollees for a defined period of time as an alternative or adjunctive to prescribing opioids. The demonstration program shall assess the benefits of acupuncture treatment in returning individuals to social, occupational, and psychological function. The project shall include: (i) an advisory group of pain management specialists and licensed acupuncturists familiar with the current science on evidence-based use of acupuncture to treat or manage chronic pain; (ii) specific patient eligibility requirements regarding the specific cause or site of chronic pain for which the evidence indicates acupuncture may be an appropriate treatment, and (iii) input and involvement from the Virginia Department of Health to promote consistency with other State policy initiatives designed to reduce the reliance on opioid medications in treating or managing chronic pain.
2. On or before November 1, 2018 relevant stakeholders, in consultation with the Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Virginia Department of Health, shall provide a progress report on the pilot project to the chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee that includes an implementation plan for the demonstration project. In addition, the involved agencies shall consider any appropriate role for acupuncture in treating substance use disorder, including consulting with health care providers using acupuncture in this manner, and shall make recommendation on the progress report regarding the use of acupuncture in treating Medicaid beneficiaries with substance use disorder."



Explanation

(This amendment adds $100,000 each year from the general fund and a like amount of federal matching Medicaid funds to implement a demonstration project to examine the benefits of acupuncture services in lieu of opioid treatment for pain management and whether acupuncture services may have an appropriate role in treating substance use disorder. Language specifies the details of the demonstration project.)