The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 9-5-34, which mandates the Bureau for Medical Services to prepare, compile, and file its complete policy manual as a legislative rule. This filing must be done in accordance with the provisions of 29A-3-1 et seq. of the code and is required to be submitted to the Secretary of State's office by July 1, 2026. Additionally, the Bureau is obligated to file all subsequent amendments, supplements, and revisions to its policy manual as legislative rules following the same provisions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that while the Bureau can issue internal guidance or emergency procedures as needed, any guidance that remains in effect for more than 180 days must be incorporated into the legislative rule process and filed as an emergency rule. This ensures that the Bureau's policies are transparent and subject to legislative oversight, enhancing accountability in the management of Medicaid services in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-5-34
Committee Substitute: 9-5-34
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 9-5-34