HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 93
(By Delegates Perdue, Hatfield, Lawrence, Manypenny, Moye, Perry,
D. Poling, Rodighiero, Eldridge, Staggers, Fleischauer, Moore,
Andes, Lane, C. Miller, J. Miller, Rowan)
[Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources;
Reported March 30, 2009.]
Requesting the Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a
study on methadone treatment centers in West Virginia.
WHEREAS, There are currently nine private for-profit methadone
treatment centers in West Virginia; and
W
HEREAS
, While methadone treatment for opioid addiction
provides assistance to many individuals, as with any controlled
substance, there is a risk of abuse with methadone; and
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, in 2005, there were 4,462 methadone deaths,
representing a 468% increase in the number of deaths since 1998;
and
Whereas, In West Virginia, there were approximately 120
methadone deaths in 2005, compared to just seven deaths in 1999;
and
W
HEREAS
, Little research has been conducted on both the long-
term effects of methadone use and the recidivism rate of those who relapse back into treatment, causing a "revolving door" effect; and
W
HEREAS
, In 2008, West Virginia established rules clarifying
opioid treatment services and set forth minimal standards for State
approval of opioid treatment providers; and
WHEREAS, A study should be initiated to provide additional
information concerning patients receiving methadone as a treatment
for opioid addiction which includes, but is not limited to: (1) the
recidivism rate of methadone clients in clinics; (2) the average
length of treatment for clients; (3) any follow-up counseling
provided to clients after treatment; (4) law-enforcement strategies
to help deter methadone related deaths; (5) an evaluation of the
systems approach to recovery; (6) any bonuses for clinic personnel
that encourages continued use of Methadone to clients; (7)
Methadone related deaths and the sources of the methadone; (8)
education of the proper use of methadone to clients; (9) funding
options for a more comprehensive recovery system for opioid addicts
and (10) the relationships between methadone treatment centers and
other alternative behavioral health treatment facilities available
in communities.
WHEREAS, The Legislature shall work with representatives of:
the methadone treatment centers, behavioral health providers, the
Department of Health and Human Resources, law-enforcement agencies,
the Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being and other pertinent
entities in the development of the aforementioned study; therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study methadone treatment centers in West Virginia;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.