CHARLESTRON, W.Va. – SB 204 introduced by Senator Tarr (R-Putnam) has the goal of “making opioid treatment programs unlawful”.
The bill looks to make it illegal for substance abuse disorder clinics to use “medication in the form of an opioid agonist or partial agonist, typically methadone.” This would also include Suboxone.
If made law, treatment centers who distribute these medications would have 120 days to cease service. The businesses would be barred from giving patients medications during that timeframe and face a fee of $2,500 per day still in operation after the grace period.
West Virginia has the highest drug overdose mortality rate in the entire county.
According to the CDC, “Medication treatment of OUD (Opiod Use Disorder) has been associated with reduced risk for overdose and overall mortality. FDA-approved medications indicated for the treatment of OUD include buprenorphine [Suboxone], methadone, and naltrexone.”
The bill is sponsored by Brian Helton (R-Fayette 09).
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