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 new definitions, including "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 establishes that insurance providers, including Medicaid and health maintenance organizations, cannot impose more restrictive coverage criteria or utilization management requirements on nonopioid drugs compared to opioids. This provision applies immediately upon FDA approval of a nonopioid drug for pain treatment.

Additionally, the bill mandates the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health to create educational materials about nonopioid alternatives, emphasizing the right of individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health. Healthcare 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 medications and improve public awareness of available treatment options, thereby addressing the opioid crisis in West Virginia.

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