The proposed bill aims to establish the Whistleblower Protection Fund Act in West Virginia, creating a new article within the state's code. This act recognizes the critical role of whistleblowers in promoting ethical practices in clinical inpatient medical treatment centers and opioid treatment programs. It emphasizes the need for a system that encourages individuals to report unethical or illegal activities without fear of retaliation. The bill establishes the Whistleblower Protection Fund as a special revenue fund, which will be administered by the Office of the Inspector General. The fund will support advertising efforts to promote reporting of unethical practices and will consist of various funding sources, including legislative appropriations, donations, and grants.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Office of the Inspector General in managing the fund and implementing a public awareness campaign to highlight the importance of whistleblowing. It mandates that any reports of unethical or illegal activities be submitted to the Inspector General, who will also be required to provide annual reports to the Joint Standing Committee on Health detailing campaign activities, the number of reports made, and their outcomes. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the protection and encouragement of whistleblowers in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16B-22-1, 16B-22-2, 16B-22-3, 16B-22-4, 16B-22-5, 16B-22-6, 16B-22-7
Committee Substitute: 16B-22-1, 16B-22-2, 16B-22-3, 16B-22-4, 16B-22-5, 16B-22-6