Legislation Intended to Reduce the Use of Prescriptions Passes Health Committee

House Bill 2768, which would reduce the use of certain prescription drugs, was reported to the full Senate following discussion in Tuesday’s Senate health and human resources committee.  

According to an explanation provided by counsel, the bill relates to legislation previously passed out of the legislature concerning the review of medication prescribed by a physician. As a result, House Bill 2768 would aid in combatting the state’s physicians being cited for potential violations.  

Following the explanation, Sen. Ron Stollings, D-Boone, addressed his fellow members and stated that the proposed legislation was a good clean up following the passage of earlier legislation. The Senator explained that due to the nature of the previous bill, physicians throughout the state have become fearful of prescribing certain medications, resulting in a “disservice to their community.” 

In the pursuit of not violating code, Stollings said that physicians that have ceased the use of certain drugs, leading to patients seeking alternative doctors. As numerous patients attempt to find certain drugs elsewhere, the state is beginning to notice overprescribing regions throughout the state. With limited use of these drugs, the state would also be aiding in the fight against West Virginia’s opioid epidemic.  

Following Stollings remarks, Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, agreed with his fellow committee member in stating that passage of the bill would also update conflicts in existing legislation and put previous bills in compliance with federal language.  

Prior to the bill, members also reviewed House Bill 2674, which would create a student loan repayment program for a mental health provider. In an explanation provided by counsel, members learned about the two programs which would be established and implemented following the bill’s passage. After discussion of the bill, members motioned to report the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation of passage.  

Also reported to the Senate were House Bills 2524, 2816, 2849 and 3132.  

Prior to review of the proposed legislation, the committee also reviewed two concurrent resolution and reported them to them to the full Senate. House Concurrent Resolution 48 which urges the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health to designate Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as a public health issue and Senate Concurrent Resolution 41 which requests a study creating paid family and medical leave insurance program.