This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article focused on opioid treatment programs, specifically requiring these programs to adopt an integrated care model by July 1, 2026. The integrated care model mandates that medical, counseling, and recovery services be provided on-site by regulated healthcare professionals during the program's operational hours, prohibiting services through referral or telehealth. Programs that do not comply with this requirement will be required to cease operations by October 1, 2026, although they may remain open for an additional 12 months for administrative transition purposes, provided they do not accept new patients during this time.

Additionally, the bill establishes civil penalties for noncompliance, allowing the Director of the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification to impose fines of up to $2,500 per day on violators. It also grants the Office the authority to seek injunctive relief to enforce compliance with the new regulations. The Office of Drug Control Policy is tasked with proposing rules for legislative approval to facilitate the implementation of these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5EE-1, 16-5EE-2, 16-5EE-3, 16-5EE-4
Committee Substitute: 16-5EE-1, 16-5EE-2, 16-5EE-3, 16-5EE-4, 16-5EE-5