Healthcare

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 72: Requiring medical professionals to report injuries and side effects from vaccines to Bureau for Public Health

SB 72 requires medical professionals who administer vaccines to report all injuries and side effects directly to West Virginia's Bureau for Public Health. It also mandates that these professionals receive annual educational materials about vaccine side effects and complete formal training every five years. The bill requires the Bureau to create a public reporting mechanism for individuals (including parents) to submit adverse vaccine reactions and to produce an annual report for the West Virginia Legislature. These changes aim to improve tracking of vaccine safety data and public transparency.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates vaccine adverse reaction reporting to public health bureau, enhancing safety monitoring and patient protection per bill's requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 434: PEIA Stability and Sustainability Act of 2026

SB 434 creates the PEIA Stability and Sustainability Act of 2026 to stabilize West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA), which covers over 200,000 state employees, teachers, public workers, and retirees. It establishes a PEIA Stabilization Reserve Fund funded by 2% of the state's General Revenue each year, sets employer contributions at 82% (minimum 80%) and employee contributions at 18%, and protects retirees by capping premiums at $100/month for those with under $40,000 annual pension income or covering full Medicare Advantage premiums. The bill mandates public transparency for rate changes (with 30-day notice and actuarial justification), creates an independent oversight board with employee and retiree representation, and requires annual accountability reports. These provisions aim to prevent premium spikes, ensure long-term solvency, and maintain affordable coverage for beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds PEIA stabilization via 2% General Revenue allocation, caps retiree premiums under $40k, promoting fiscal responsibility and tax relief for low-income retirees.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStabilizes PEIA coverage for 200k+ state workers/retirees, caps retiree premiums at $100/month, and funds reserve to protect existing healthcare access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCovers 200k+ public workers; caps retiree premiums at $100/month; stabilizes health insurance funding to protect benefits95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pensions Revenue Insurance Medicare

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 20, 2026

SB 166: Relating to eligibility for WV Invests Grant Program

SB 166 amends West Virginia's WV Invests Grant Program to include associate degrees and certificates in emergency medical services (EMS) as eligible post-secondary programs. This change directly affects West Virginia residents pursuing EMS credentials by allowing them to qualify for the grant, which covers tuition and fees at participating institutions. The bill modifies the eligibility requirements in §18C-9-5(a)(8) to explicitly include EMS programs, without altering other existing grant terms like residency, academic standards, or the repayment agreement for graduates who leave the state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands grant eligibility for EMS associate degrees, increasing access to higher education funding and aligning with educational access indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds EMS education grants, expanding healthcare workforce training for emergency services by including EMS credentials in grant eligibility.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands grant eligibility for EMS credentials, enabling workforce development in a critical labor sector by reducing education barriers for future workers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 6, 2026

SB 589: Relating to recovery residences

Senate Bill 589 removes the mandatory certification requirement for recovery residences in West Virginia. It eliminates the need for these facilities - drug- and alcohol-free housing supporting individuals in substance use disorder recovery - to obtain a "certificate of compliance" from the Department of Human Services. The bill amends relevant code sections to delete the registration process while retaining definitions and other provisions. This change directly affects recovery residences and their operators by reducing regulatory requirements. The policy shift focuses on deregulation rather than altering the operational standards for these facilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves mandatory registration for recovery residences, improving access to substance use disorder treatment services by reducing regulatory barriers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4229: Relating to authorizing the Department of Health Facilities to promulgate a legislative rule relating to patient rights at state-operated mental health facilities.

HB 4229 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Health Facilities to implement a specific regulatory rule (64 CSR 59) concerning patient rights at state-operated mental health facilities. The bill formally approves a rule previously filed in the State Register on July 25, 2025, which outlines patient rights standards. This rule directly affects patients in state mental health facilities by establishing clear rights regarding care and treatment. The legislation does not create new rights but codifies an existing regulatory framework for facility operations. The bill serves a procedural purpose to affirm the rule's validity under state law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes rule establishing patient rights standards in state mental health facilities, directly protecting patient care rights and treatment access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SB 662: Relating to colorectal cancer prevention

SB 662 creates a pilot program to provide free colorectal cancer screening and treatment in West Virginia for "unserved populations" - individuals with inadequate access to care due to financial constraints. The program, administered by the Bureau for Public Health, awards grants to approved organizations (like clinics or hospitals) to deliver screenings, diagnostic colonoscopies, and treatment at no cost to patients. Covered services include pre-visit consultations, colonoscopy procedures, polyp removal, and pathology, with treatment initiated if cancer is detected. Organizations must meet quality standards, and the program requires annual reporting on metrics like screenings performed, costs, and outcomes to the Legislative Oversight Commission.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides free screenings/treatment for underserved populations, expanding access and funding colorectal cancer prevention services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4182: To expand the EMS retirement system

HB 4182 amends West Virginia's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Retirement System to increase the maximum retirement benefit from 67% to 90% of a member's final average salary. It adjusts annual benefit accrual rates to 2.75% for the first 20 years of service (up from 2.6%), 2% for years 21-25, and 1.5% for each year beyond 25. The bill also sets new employee contribution rates (10.5% when underfunded below 70% funding, 8.5% when reaching 70% funding) and applies these changes specifically to EMS members and 911 personnel/home confinement officers with transferred assets, differing based on whether past contributions were repaid. These provisions directly affect current and future retirees in the EMS retirement system.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands retirement benefits for EMS personnel, directly supporting healthcare workforce stability and compensation within healthcare professions.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands retirement benefits for EMS workers by increasing maximum payout and accrual rates, strengthening employment-related benefits for a specific profession.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits Tags Public Safety

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 610: Relating to medical exemption to mandatory vaccination requirements

SB 610 amends West Virginia law to change how medical exemptions to school vaccination requirements are granted. It eliminates the state commissioner's authority and the position of "State Immunization Officer," instead requiring a treating physician or advanced practice provider to issue a written statement to a child's school or childcare center if vaccination would be detrimental to the child's health. This directly affects children entering schools or childcare centers, as exemptions now rely solely on healthcare provider documentation rather than state official review. The bill maintains existing vaccine requirements (chickenpox, measles, polio, etc.) but shifts the exemption process to healthcare providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires physician-certified medical exemptions for school vaccinations, ensuring exemptions align with medical necessity and protecting patient rights within public health framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 357: Board of Osteopathic Medicine rule relating to emergency temporary permits to practice during states of emergency or states of preparedness

This bill authorizes the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine to create a rule allowing temporary practice permits for osteopathic physicians during declared states of emergency or preparedness. It specifically references an existing rule (24 CSR 09) filed in March 2025, which the bill formally approves. The rule would directly affect osteopathic physicians seeking to practice temporarily in emergency situations. As a procedural authorization, it does not create new policy but formalizes an existing administrative rule.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes temporary practice permits for osteopathic physicians during emergencies, improving access to care in crisis situations per 24 CSR 09 rule approval.85% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 345: Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners rule relating to Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners

SB 345 authorizes the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners to issue a revised rule regarding licensing and practice standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy technologists. The rule, initially filed in June 2025 and modified to address concerns before being resubmitted in August 2025, establishes requirements for professionals in this field. This bill does not change the rule's content but provides the legal authority for the board to adopt it.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill authorizes licensing standards for medical imaging/radiation therapy technologists, ensuring qualified professionals and supporting healthcare quality and patient safety.85% confidence

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