Permitting development of opioid treatment program if part of clinical trial and approved by institutional review board

This bill allows a single opioid treatment program in West Virginia to be established specifically for a clinical trial comparing office-based methadone and buprenorphine treatments. The program must receive approval from an institutional review board and register with the Board of Pharmacy to operate only for the duration of the study. Additionally, the legislation permits an advanced practice registered nurse participating in this trial to dispense medication and exceed standard prescription limits for a one-time use. These changes are designed to facilitate research on medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder while maintaining strict oversight through registration and approval requirements.