The bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by abolishing methadone clinics and instituting new regulations for medication-assisted treatment programs. A key change is the redefinition of "medication-assisted treatment program," which will now explicitly exclude opioid agonists, thereby prohibiting the licensing of programs that utilize these treatments. This shift reflects a broader strategy to address substance use disorders by promoting alternatives to traditional opioid therapies. The legislation also outlines stringent licensing and registration requirements for treatment programs, mandating compliance with operational standards and regular inspections to ensure adherence to the new regulations.

Additionally, the bill establishes operational requirements for these programs, including the necessity for a licensed medical director and detailed patient record maintenance. It prohibits the prescription of liquid methadone and introduces specific documentation requirements for physicians treating patients with buprenorphine. The bill also sets forth penalties for violations, including civil fines for unlicensed operations and misrepresentation, with the authority for the director to limit or revoke licenses for non-compliance. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding substance use treatment in West Virginia, prioritizing patient safety and compliance with treatment standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16B-13-2, 16B-13-3, 16B-13-4, 16B-13-5, 16B-13-9