Bryan administration outlined 11-part healthcare reform initiative in U.S. Virgin Islands

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced on June 15, 2020, a healthcare reform initiative called "Healthier Horizons" that his administration said was aimed at expanding access to care, modernizing health-service delivery and rebuilding healthcare infrastructure in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Government House said the initiative included 11 areas: behavioral health and developmental disabilities, a health information exchange, telehealth and telemedicine legislation, interstate medical compacts, integration of the Virgin Islands Fire Service and emergency medical services, emergency medical services regulation, association health plans, a community health improvement plan, a healthy housing initiative, hospital and health-facilities improvements, and medicinal cannabis.

According to the administration, legislation had been submitted to the 33rd Legislature on several elements, including the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act, a bill to create the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Act.

Government House said a telehealth workgroup launched in January 2020 had drafted legislation for a Virgin Islands Telehealth Act, was developing Medicaid telehealth policies and was advising the Health Insurance Board on insurance coverage recommendations.

The administration also said the Department of Human Services was using a $14.9 million Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services grant to establish a health information exchange for Medicaid patients.

Government House said the administration had also launched a Healthy Housing Initiative with local stakeholders and the Corporation for Supportive Housing to assess housing and healthcare services in behavioral health, youth rehabilitation services, supportive housing and elder care.

The announcement said repairs and enhancements at hospitals and clinics across the territory were continuing as facilities recovered from the 2017 hurricanes.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-announces-healthier-horizons-initiative-sweeping-healthcare-reform-for-u-s-virgin-islands/