West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB362

Introduced
1/12/24  

Caption

Increasing availability of prescription nonopioid medications

Impact

If enacted, SB362 would lead to significant changes in state laws governing pain management therapies. The bill would assert the right of patients to refuse opioid medications and necessitate healthcare practitioners to explore a range of alternative treatments before resorting to opioid prescriptions. By providing an officially sanctioned framework for the inclusion of nonopioid therapeutics, the legislation could potentially reduce the reliance on opioids and their associated risks, effectively positioning West Virginia as a leader in proactive health care strategies against opioid dependency.

Summary

Senate Bill 362 aims to increase the availability of prescription nonopioid medications in West Virginia as a method to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. The bill mandates that healthcare practitioners inform patients about nonopioid alternatives for pain management prior to prescribing Schedule II opioid drugs. It emphasizes the importance of patient education regarding the risks associated with opioid use and presents nonpharmacological treatment options—such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care—as acceptable alternatives. Additionally, the bill requires health insurance providers to cover specific nonopioid treatments when prescribed, ensuring accessibility for patients seeking alternatives.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding SB362 have demonstrated a generally positive sentiment among supporters who view the bill as a necessary response to the opioid epidemic. Advocacy groups and healthcare professionals have expressed appreciation for the emphasis on patient autonomy and the proactive measures proposed for alternative pain management. However, there are concerns from some practitioners over implementation challenges, including how to balance nonopioid recommendations with the immediate pain needs of patients, which has sparked debate within healthcare circles.

Contention

Notable points of contention include how the bill may strain the existing healthcare framework if practitioners are mandated to rigorously document alternative treatment discussions before prescribing opioids. Currently, the practice varies widely, and the bill's requirements may add additional bureaucratic layers. Critics argue this could lead to delays in treatment for patients in acute pain scenarios. Furthermore, there are discussions on the adequacy of insurance coverage for nonopioid treatments, as disparities in policy interpretations may influence patient access and the practicalities of care delivery.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB598

Increasing availability of prescription nonopioid medications

WV SCR18

Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study increasing availability of prescription nonopioid medications

WV HB2086

Increase number of pain management visits the insurance companies must cover under the opioid reduction act

WV SB698

Updating term of "physician assistant" to "physician associate"

WV HB2541

Add licensure requirement on substance use disorder inpatient provider facilities

WV SB577

Reducing copay cap on insulin and devices and permitting purchase of testing equipment without prescription

WV HB3472

Returning a woman’s right to choose

WV HB3003

Stop practice of medicine by telehealth for abortion prescriptions

WV HB2075

To provide a means to classify when medications should be continued or stopped for patients

WV SB174

Increasing required medical coverage for autism spectrum disorders

Similar Bills

IL SB3781

NONOPIOID ALTERNATIVES ACT

IL HB5355

NONOPIOID ALTERNATIVES ACT

WV SB628

Relating to non-opioid medication

WV SB598

Increasing availability of prescription nonopioid medications

WV SB248

Increasing availability of prescription non-opioid medications

IL SB3780

MEDICAID-NONOPIOID MEDS

IL HB4777

MEDICAID-NONOPIOID MEDS

WV HB3070

Relating to the requirement of insurance coverage for a nonopioid drug for a person diagnosed with a substance use disorder