This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 16B-13-4a, which establishes guidelines for testing individuals for substance use disorder within office-based medication-assisted treatment facilities. The legislation mandates that upon admission to a drug program, providers must conduct a comprehensive, quantitative, direct observation drug test. Following this initial test, patients are required to undergo additional direct observation tests every two weeks for the first six weeks, and then every 45 days for the subsequent year. After the first year, testing frequency shifts to every six months until the patient is discharged from the program.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that at any time the provider wishes to assess a patient's compliance, the patient must be willing to undergo a direct observation qualitative or quantitative test upon request. This structured testing protocol aims to ensure consistent monitoring and support for individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment programs in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Originating in Committee: 16B-13-4a
Engrossed Version: 16B-13-4a