New law will enhance emergency response for people with disabilities

A new law, House Bill 1370, requires healthcare providers to conduct regular emergency simulations for people with disabilities to improve preparedness. The legislation was inspired by a 2025 report from the Disability Law Center of Virginia highlighting delayed emergency responses in facilities serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The law aims to save approximately seven lives monthly, as stated by Delegate Leslie Mehta, who was motivated by her daughter’s experience with Rett Syndrome.