The Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability met Monday morning.
The Commission heard from the DHHR on the transition plan for dividing into three departments: health, human services, and health facilities (HB 2006, 2023 RS). As of now, town meetings have been conducted to address concerns DHHR employees have about the transition. Next week, DHHR leadership will be meeting with the Governor’s team on the DHHR split and will have more specific plans in place.
The Commission also received an update on the implementation of Senate Bill 419 (2022 RS). The bill provides a framework for quality-based substance use disorder residential treatment programs. A pilot program is to be put in place with the intent to provide wraparound services. The Bureau of Medical Service has created an advisory committee with over 20 members to determine the best approach for the pilot program. This committee met weekly between May and September 2022 and is scheduled to reconvene meetings this month.
The Commission also heard an update on the implementation of Senate Bill 247 (2022 RS). The bill integrates evidence-based trauma-informed recovery-oriented Community Behavior Health Clinics. Even though the bill passed in 2022, the work began in 2021 for these types of clinics.
Finally, the Commission heard an update on the West Virginia People’s Access to Help (PATH) program. The technology replaces FACTS, RAPIDS, and OSCAR and integrates all these systems into one. PATH is being implemented in phases and is expected to be fully implemented in the fall. The program allows consumers to access multiple forms of assistance under one system.
