The proposed bill aims to establish the West Virginia ALS Care Services Act, which is designed to support individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers. The legislation outlines the significant financial and medical challenges faced by ALS patients and emphasizes the need for targeted state support to enhance their quality of life and enable them to remain in family-based care. Key components of the act include the establishment of the ALS Care Services Program, which will be administered by the Department of Human Services. This program will provide funding for care services coordination, assistive technology, medical equipment, and access to multidisciplinary ALS clinics, all of which are intended to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Additionally, the bill introduces the Ramp Reutilization Loan Program, which aims to alleviate the financial burden of installing ramps for ALS patients, thereby allowing them to safely access their homes and potentially delaying the need for institutionalized care. The act emphasizes the importance of home-based care in improving patient outcomes and reducing overall healthcare costs. The bill is set to take effect upon passage, marking a significant step towards enhancing support for West Virginians affected by ALS.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-11-1, 9-11-2, 9-11-3, 9-11-4