This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require the Bureau for Medical Services to complete necessary filings and obtain licensures and accreditation for residential substance use disorder treatment facilities by July 1, 2025, instead of the previously set date of January 1, 2026. The bill stipulates that neither the Bureau nor any managed care organization can reimburse providers for services rendered at these facilities unless they are licensed by the West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification and accredited by recognized organizations such as CARF, the Joint Commission, or DNV.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all residential substance use disorder facilities must achieve both licensure and accreditation by the new deadline of July 1, 2025. Facilities that begin operations due to a change in ownership or new site openings must comply with these requirements within one year of starting operations, while still adhering to all applicable state laws and regulations during that period. The bill also includes provisions for the Office of the Inspector General to propose rules for legislative approval to implement these changes and requires the Bureau for Medical Services to report on the effectiveness of these provisions by December 31, 2030. The provisions of this section will expire on July 1, 2031, unless extended by the Legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-5-29a