This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the use of nonopioid drugs for pain management and to ensure that insurance coverage does not favor opioids over nonopioid alternatives. It introduces a new definition for "nonopioid medicinal drug or drug product," which refers to drugs approved by the FDA for pain relief that do not act on opioid receptors. The bill also establishes that insurance providers, including Medicaid and health maintenance organizations, cannot impose more restrictive coverage criteria or cost-sharing responsibilities on nonopioid drugs compared to opioids. This provision takes effect as soon as a nonopioid drug is approved by the FDA for pain treatment.

Additionally, the bill mandates the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health to create and disseminate educational materials regarding nonopioid alternatives for pain management. It emphasizes the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their health care, including the option to refuse opioids. Health care practitioners are required to consider nonopioid options as a first-line treatment for pain and to discuss the benefits and risks of these alternatives with patients before prescribing opioids. The bill aims to promote the use of nonopioid treatments and improve public awareness of available options.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-54-1, 16-54-10, 16-54-11, 16-54-12