Barbara Favola
Coverage of Barbara Favola in the Nexus archive.
- Virginia considers calls for mandatory school nurses as healthcare gaps persist
Advocates are pushing for updated state standards requiring mandatory full-time licensed nurses in every Virginia public school to address critical student healthcare gaps. Current law only permits, rather than requires, such positions, and legislators are exploring updating the state’s Standards of Quality. The goal is seen as essential because schools require staff to oversee specialized health protocols, emergency equipment, and medications.
- State report finds 13 rural hospitals vulnerable to closure
A Virginia state report identifies 13 rural hospitals as vulnerable to closure due to financial strains linked to recent Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement cuts, a reconciliation bill causing health insurance loss for 33,000 residents, and expired Affordable Care Act credits. Residents and lawmakers express concerns over reduced emergency care access and potential long-term impacts on private insurance premiums.