Rep. Evan Worrell

Maddy summaryHB 4984 modifies West Virginia's prior authorization rules for FDA-approved antipsychotic medications. It requires the Bureau for Medical Services to use an electronic portal for all prior authorization requests, including clear instructions, real-time status updates, and a quarterly updated science-based list of required authorizations. The bill mandates responses within five business days (or two days for urgent cases) and requires clear disclosure about step therapy protocols on forms. This directly affects healthcare providers submitting requests and patients needing these medications, aiming to streamline the approval process for antipsychotics.

Maddy summaryHB 5096 removes the requirement for state approval (a "certificate of need") for two specific healthcare services in West Virginia: personal care services and intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) services. This means healthcare providers offering these services no longer need prior state permission before expanding or establishing them. The bill amends existing law (§16-2D-10) to explicitly exempt these services from the certificate of need process, which previously applied to many healthcare expansions and facility changes. This change directly affects providers of personal care (like assistance with daily living activities) and IDD services (such as support for individuals with developmental disabilities), streamlining their ability to operate without state review.

Maddy summaryHB 4760 requires West Virginia health insurance plans to cover dietary supplements and nutrition prescriptions recommended by a patient's physician. This applies to all health insurance policies sold in the state and covers items defined as "nutritional wellness and prevention" (like vitamins, minerals, and dietary counseling) that improve health, strengthen immunity, or prevent disease. Insurance companies must cover these items only if they appear on an annual list maintained by the West Virginia Insurance Commission. The bill directly affects insurers, policyholders seeking these services, and the Insurance Commission responsible for updating the coverage list.

Maddy summaryHB 5591 (West Virginia) allows pharmacists to dispense ivermectin to patients without a prescription, provided they follow standardized protocols established by the state pharmacy board. It protects pharmacists from criminal, civil, or professional disciplinary action when dispensing under these protocols. The bill directly affects pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin for human use, removing the current prescription requirement. The pharmacy board may create specific rules for implementation through the legislative process.

Maddy summaryHB 5576 requires Socially Necessary Services (SNS) providers in West Virginia to report mileage differently based on their usage. Providers traveling over 3,000 miles in a 92-day period must submit detailed mileage logs, while those under 3,000 miles need only basic documentation. The bill mandates digital reporting forms to reduce errors, allows GPS data to replace paper logs, and requires providers to cover the cost of any new tracking technology. Using approved software grants providers expedited payment processing, aiming to modernize billing and improve accountability for the Department of Human Services. This directly affects SNS providers who bill for mileage-related services.

Maddy summaryHB 5600 adds the West Virginia Fire Marshal's office as a formal representative to the Law-Enforcement Professional Standards Subcommittee (LEPS). This subcommittee oversees law enforcement officer training, certification, and inactive certification reinstatement. The bill amends existing law to include the Fire Marshal's office as the twelfth member on the committee, alongside current representatives from state police, sheriffs, police associations, and other entities. This change directly affects the LEPS committee's composition and ensures fire marshal input in professional standards decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5624 amends West Virginia's asbestos abatement regulations by updating key definitions, including terms like "asbestos," "asbestos abatement project," and "asbestos contractor." The bill repeals section §16-32-9c and revises sections §16-32-2, §16-32-11, and §16-32-15 to modernize the regulatory framework. This directly affects asbestos contractors, workers, inspectors, and management planners who handle asbestos-containing materials. The provided text does not detail additional specific requirements beyond the revised definitions, as the bill focuses on clarifying terminology for compliance.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.

Maddy summaryHB 5588, the "Therapeutic Psilocybin Act," establishes a regulated framework for using psilocybin to treat PTSD in veterans and first responders. The bill creates licensing requirements for psilocybin production facilities, mandates background checks for staff, and requires providers to register with the state department. Key provisions include requiring insurance coverage for treatment, creating safety protocols for production and testing, and establishing a verification system for medical use. This bill directly affects veterans and first responders with PTSD, medical providers, and psilocybin production facilities, pending legislative approval.

Maddy summaryHB 5365 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that provide prescription drug coverage services to West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). The bill amends state code to create a special investigating unit within PEIA and grants the Insurance Commissioner authority to investigate PBM practices. It defines key terms related to PEIA operations and establishes oversight mechanisms for PBMs handling state employee health benefits. This bill directly affects PEIA and its contracted PBM providers, focusing on increasing transparency and accountability in prescription drug benefit management. The legislation is currently in committee review (House Banking and Insurance) after introduction on February 9, 2026.