HB 5121 requires all West Virginia public elementary, middle, and high schools to provide free tampons and pads to female students. County boards of education must ensure these feminine hygiene products are available at no cost in school facilities. The bill directly affects every public school in the state and its female students by mandating access to these essential items. This policy change replaces any existing requirements with a statewide standard for free provision of such products.
HB 5034, the West Virginia Genomic Information Privacy Act of 2026, requires medical facilities, research organizations, and companies collecting genetic data to inform West Virginia residents about how their genetic information is gathered, used, and shared. The bill prohibits these entities from selling, transferring, or using genetic data for foreign adversaries (as defined by federal law) and mandates secure storage of such information. It also establishes a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue if their genetic privacy is violated.
HB 5593 would allow pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin to consumers without a doctor's prescription. The bill directly affects pharmacies, pharmacists, and anyone purchasing ivermectin for personal use. It adds a new section to state law (§60A-2-204a) specifically permitting over-the-counter sales, dispensing, and possession of ivermectin. This changes current requirements by removing the need for a prescription, making the drug accessible without a healthcare provider's authorization. The bill does not address medical uses or safety considerations, only the regulatory framework for its sale.
HB 5498 clarifies that members of county child abuse investigative teams cannot be personally liable for actions taken during investigations of child sexual assault, abuse, or neglect - such as prosecutors, law enforcement, child protective services workers, health care providers, and mental health professionals. The bill specifically protects team members from liability for routine work in these investigations, but does not shield them from claims arising from gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional harm. This amendment to West Virginia law directly affects the 8 permanent team member roles listed in the bill and ensures they can participate without personal legal risk for standard investigative actions. The change aims to strengthen team collaboration by removing personal liability concerns during sensitive child abuse cases.
HB 5149 establishes the West Virginia Prescription Drug Affordability Board to address high prescription drug costs for residents and health systems. The board will review pricing for all prescription drugs - including brand name, generic, biologic, and biosimilar drugs - and require transparency from manufacturers about drug costs. It directly affects West Virginia residents, state/local governments, health plans, healthcare providers, and pharmacies by creating a formal process to evaluate affordability challenges. The bill mandates the board to conduct cost studies, require manufacturer disclosures, and issue reports, aiming to reduce financial burdens on patients and the healthcare system.
HB 5103 requires the West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification to inspect office-based medication-assisted treatment programs (which provide opioid addiction treatment using medication) at least once every 24 months. These inspections must include reviewing patient records to ensure compliance with licensing rules and may involve a pharmacist and law enforcement officer. The bill mandates formal inspections every two years, in addition to unannounced complaint inspections already allowed. It directly affects opioid treatment programs operating in medical offices across West Virginia.
HB 5580 amends West Virginia law to clarify liability protections for local emergency telephone systems. It grants immunity from civil lawsuits for public agencies, telephone companies, and their employees when operating emergency systems or referring callers to the national 988 mental health hotline - except in cases of gross negligence. The bill specifically adds immunity protection for referrals to 988 (the national mental health crisis line) while maintaining that gross negligence remains a basis for liability. This change directly affects emergency call centers, telephone providers, and county emergency services that handle crisis referrals. The law aims to encourage participation in the 988 system without fear of liability for routine operations.
HB 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.
SB 742 modifies West Virginia's involuntary hospitalization process by allowing an authorized hospital physician to place a person under a 72-hour hold without first contacting specific officials (like mental hygiene commissioners). It removes the previous 24-hour deadline for filing a formal petition to extend the hold, instead requiring this petition to be filed within 72 hours. The bill also ensures hospitals and physicians are paid standard rates for these services and are protected from liability when acting in good faith. This directly affects individuals facing involuntary hospitalization for mental illness or addiction and the healthcare providers managing their care.
SB 743 creates an exemption from standard opioid prescription limits for mid-level providers (like nurse practitioners and physician assistants) working in hospice care. It requires these providers to be licensed, employed exclusively by licensed hospice providers, and supervised by a physician medical director. The exemption allows them to prescribe Schedule II opioids without the usual 30-day supply limits in hospice settings, while maintaining all other existing prescription rules for non-hospice care. This change specifically applies to hospice patients receiving palliative care, aligning with current exceptions for hospice services.
