The bill amends section 16-29B-28 of the Code of West Virginia to enhance cooperative agreements among hospitals and healthcare providers. It introduces new definitions for "Hospital" and "Person," while removing outdated terms like "Academic medical center" and "Teaching hospital." The legislation aims to improve medical education and healthcare access through these agreements, allowing hospitals to share resources and enhance patient care. It also emphasizes the need for oversight from the Health Care Authority to ensure that such agreements do not significantly reduce competition.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a comprehensive review process for cooperative agreements, requiring hospitals to submit applications for approval before finalizing any mergers or consolidations. The Health Care Authority will evaluate these applications, consulting with the Attorney General, and ensuring compliance with the agreements. A notable insertion mandates that hospitals that have merged or consolidated since January 1, 2017, must file a cooperative agreement by January 1, 2026, to protect against antitrust actions. The bill also requires transparency by mandating the authority to maintain records of approved agreements and prohibits hospitals from billing for related services until they receive the necessary approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 26-12-1, 26-12-2, 26-12-3, 26-12-4, 26-12-5, 26-12-6, 26-12-7, 26-12-8, 26-12-9, 26-12-10, 26-12-11, 26-12-12
Committee Substitute: 16-29B-28