This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article that mandates opioid treatment programs to adopt an integrated care model by July 1, 2026. The integrated care model requires the onsite delivery of medical, counseling, and addiction treatment services, prohibiting services provided by 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. The Office of Drug Control Policy is tasked with proposing rules for legislative approval to ensure the effective implementation of these provisions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care provided in opioid treatment programs by ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to treatment.

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