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- Virginia passes legislation allowing delayed release of certain pathology test results
Virginia lawmakers passed House Bill 973, which will allow health systems to delay the electronic release of certain pathology and genetic test results to patients for up to 72 hours. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Why it matters: Responsibility for managing the delay would rest with the entity operating the electronic health record (EHR) system—not with the pathologist or laboratory.
Key provisions:
- Applies to results that may indicate malignancy or reveal genetic markers.
- Allows earlier release when in the patient’s best interest, when systems can’t technically hold results, or when patients request immediate access.
Big picture: The bill aligns with the CAP’s model advocacy position that assigns regulatory responsibility to EHR administrators.
- If enacted, Virginia would become the fifth state to adopt this approach, joining Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, and Montana.
- The legislation clarifies that early release would not create civil, criminal, administrative, or professional liability.