Bill > SB594

This bill establishes a legal framework for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access individualized investigational treatments that are uniquely produced based on their genetic profile. The bill defines an "eligible patient" as someone who has exhausted all FDA-approved treatment options, has a physician's recommendation for an experimental treatment, and provides informed written consent after understanding potential risks and outcomes. Manufacturers are not required to provide these treatments but may do so with or without compensation. The legislation protects healthcare providers from professional sanctions for recommending such treatments and prevents state officials from blocking patient access. Importantly, the bill includes provisions that protect manufacturers from private lawsuits if they make a good-faith effort to comply with the law, and it ensures that a patient's heirs are not liable for any outstanding medical debt if the patient dies while receiving the experimental treatment. The bill does not interfere with existing clinical trial insurance coverage and will become effective on January 1, 2026, providing a structured pathway for patients with few remaining treatment options to potentially access cutting-edge, personalized medical interventions.

Health and Social Services, Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=594&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill