The proposed bill aims to enhance hospital transparency in West Virginia by introducing a new article to the Code of West Virginia, specifically designated as Article 67. It outlines legislative findings regarding the rising costs of healthcare and the impact of hospital consolidation on prices. The bill defines key terms and establishes the duties of the West Virginia Health Care Authority, which includes the requirement for hospitals to file annual financial reports and other relevant data. Hospitals will be mandated to publish their financial information on their websites, including assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and a breakdown of services and rates. The bill also stipulates that all reports must be available for public inspection and prohibits the inclusion of personally identifiable patient information.

Additionally, the bill requires state payers, such as the Public Employees Insurance Agency and the Bureau for Medical Services, to provide their rates by procedure code to the Health Care Authority starting July 1, 2026. The Authority is tasked with rulemaking to implement the provisions of the article, and penalties are established for hospitals that fail to comply with the reporting requirements, including a daily fine for continued non-compliance. The effective date for the new regulations is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-67-1, 16-67-2, 16-67-3, 16-67-4, 16-67-5, 16-67-6
Committee Substitute: 16-67-1, 16-67-2, 16-67-3, 16-67-4, 16-67-5, 16-67-6, 16-67-7, 16-67-8, 16-29B-24
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 16-67-1, 16-67-2, 16-67-3, 16-67-4, 16-67-5, 16-67-6, 16-67-7, 16-67-8