West Virginia Senate Committee advances substance use disorder treatment center bill
March 12, 2025 | 2025 Legislature WV, West Virginia
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The West Virginia Senate Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at addressing substance use disorder and enhancing mental health services in the state. The meeting focused on two key bills, Senate Bill 723 and Senate Bill 726, both of which aim to improve treatment facilities and patient care.
The first item on the agenda was Senate Bill 723, which mandates that clinical inpatient medical treatment centers for substance use disorder must ensure that at least 85 percent of their patients are residents of West Virginia. The bill also outlines requirements for patient discharge, including the provision of 30 days of medication and assistance with job readiness, such as obtaining necessary identification documents. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for periodic reporting on these measures and establishes the Office of the Inspector General as the overseeing agency. After a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation for passage.
Following this, the committee addressed Senate Bill 726, which requires medication-assisted treatment centers to provide on-site medical services. The bill specifies a list of required services and sets a timeline for their expansion by April 1, 2026. It also introduces a tapering schedule for medication-assisted treatment and mandates quarterly assessments of clients' statuses to support their overall well-being. The committee discussed the definitions of "integrated care model" and "on-site" services, clarifying that services must be physically available at the facility. The bill also includes informed consent requirements for patients upon admission and quarterly thereafter.
During the discussion, a senator raised a question regarding an earlier proposed amendment that was not included in the committee substitute for Senate Bill 726. The committee chair acknowledged this and indicated that the senator could present the amendment at a later time.
The meeting concluded with a call for any further questions or discussions, but no additional topics were raised. The committee's actions reflect a continued commitment to improving substance use disorder treatment and mental health services in West Virginia, with both bills set to advance to the full Senate for further consideration.
The first item on the agenda was Senate Bill 723, which mandates that clinical inpatient medical treatment centers for substance use disorder must ensure that at least 85 percent of their patients are residents of West Virginia. The bill also outlines requirements for patient discharge, including the provision of 30 days of medication and assistance with job readiness, such as obtaining necessary identification documents. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for periodic reporting on these measures and establishes the Office of the Inspector General as the overseeing agency. After a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation for passage.
Following this, the committee addressed Senate Bill 726, which requires medication-assisted treatment centers to provide on-site medical services. The bill specifies a list of required services and sets a timeline for their expansion by April 1, 2026. It also introduces a tapering schedule for medication-assisted treatment and mandates quarterly assessments of clients' statuses to support their overall well-being. The committee discussed the definitions of "integrated care model" and "on-site" services, clarifying that services must be physically available at the facility. The bill also includes informed consent requirements for patients upon admission and quarterly thereafter.
During the discussion, a senator raised a question regarding an earlier proposed amendment that was not included in the committee substitute for Senate Bill 726. The committee chair acknowledged this and indicated that the senator could present the amendment at a later time.
The meeting concluded with a call for any further questions or discussions, but no additional topics were raised. The committee's actions reflect a continued commitment to improving substance use disorder treatment and mental health services in West Virginia, with both bills set to advance to the full Senate for further consideration.
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