Virginia House Bill HB1025

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/14/26

Caption

<p class=ldtitle>A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 54.1-3442.1, 54.1-3442.2, and 54.1-3442.3 of the Code of Virginia, relating to access to investigational drugs, biological products, and devices; patient with severely debilitating condition.</p>

Impact

The bill's passing could significantly alter the landscape of patient care for those with terminal or severely debilitating conditions in Virginia. It affords patients, under strict eligibility criteria, the right to access investigational therapies that are currently in clinical trials but not yet approved for general use. The bill requires comprehensive documentation and informed consent from the patient or their legal representative, ensuring that patients understand the risks and benefits associated with such treatments.

Summary

House Bill 1025 seeks to amend sections of the Code of Virginia relating to access to investigational drugs, biological products, and devices for patients suffering from terminal or severely debilitating conditions. The bill establishes criteria under which patients may receive expanded access to these products when no other FDA-approved treatments are available. This legislation aims to provide patients with more options in their treatment plans, potentially improving their quality of life in critical health situations.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 1025 is to improve patient access to potentially life-saving treatments, it raises considerable ethical and regulatory concerns. Proponents argue that expanding access is a crucial step towards patient empowerment and autonomy in healthcare decisions, especially for individuals facing life-threatening conditions. Critics may voice concerns about the adequacy of patient protections, the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations, and the implications of allowing unapproved medical therapies without rigorous oversight.