728 S.E.2d 527
Va. Ct. App.2012Background
- Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program denied reimbursement after deadline-based guideline; Kavanaughs sought full reimbursement for 2004–2010 treatments; 2007 consent order awarded program to pay expenses; 2010 request denied for remaining amounts due to guideline deadlines; court reviews whether guideline was authorized and enforceable under the Act; court reverses and remands.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the reimbursement deadlines guideline exceeds the Program’s authority | Kavanaugh alleges guideline exceeds statute | Program asserts guideline authorized under statute | Guideline exceeded authority; invalid. |
| Whether the guideline improperly usurps the Commission’s adjudicatory function | Commission must apply case-by-case under the Act | Guideline aids administration within authority | Guideline cannot be enforced; remand for proceedings consistent with opinion. |
Key Cases Cited
- Cent. Va. Obstetrics & Gynecology Assocs., P.C. v. Whitfield, 42 Va. App. 264 (2004) (no-fault remedy framework; statutory reading governs)
- Spicer v. Birth Related Neuro. Injury Comp. Program, 48 Va. App. 613 (2006) (statutory interpretation; agency actions reviewed de novo)
- Berglund Chevrolet v. Landrum, 43 Va. App. 742 (2004) (case-by-case inquiry; legislative framework matters)
- Woods v. Va. Dept. of Motor Vehicles, 26 Va. App. 450 (1998) (guidelines must not be inconsistent with enabling statute)
- Manassas Autocars v. Couch, 274 Va. 82 (2007) (regulation consistency with authorizing statute)