Bill > HB4917

This bill proposes to terminate the West Virginia Health Care Authority and its certificate of need program, which requires healthcare facilities to obtain approval before offering new services or making significant changes. Effective January 1, 2027, healthcare facilities will no longer need a certificate of need to operate. The bill also abolishes the authority's cooperative agreement review process, which previously allowed for the review and approval of collaborative agreements between healthcare providers, and transfers the authority's remaining powers, assets, records, and employees to the Secretary of the Department of Health. Any remaining funds in the "Certificate of Need Program Fund" will be transferred to the general revenue fund, and the Secretary will be responsible for proposing the repeal of any rules related to the authority's functions. While the certificate of need program is being terminated, the bill includes provisions for a summary review process for certain behavioral health services to ensure federal approval for Medicaid programs, and clarifies that actions taken by hospitals and healthcare providers under the authority's jurisdiction before January 1, 2027, will remain exempt from antitrust laws.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4917&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill