The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 16B-13-4a, which establishes testing guidelines for substance use disorder in office-based medication-assisted treatment facilities. It 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 direct observation, quantitative tests every two weeks for the first six weeks, and then every 45 days for the next year. After the first year, testing frequency changes 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 enhance the monitoring of patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorder, ensuring adherence to the program and improving overall treatment outcomes.

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