SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 83
(By Senators Boley, Bowman, Browning, Caruth, Foster, Kessler,
McCabe, Minard, Palumbo, Snyder, Sypolt, Williams, White and
Yost)
[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization]
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance
authorize a study on the revision of the powers and duties of
the West Virginia Health Care Authority.
Whereas, The rate review process was enacted by the West
Virginia Legislature in 1983 and became a part of the Health Care
Authority at that time; and
Whereas The rate review process is intended to be a regulatory
element designed to assist the Health Care Authority to control
health care costs, improve the quality and efficiency of the
state's health care system, and promote access to care; and
Whereas, Unless specifically exempted, all acute care
hospitals in West Virginia must obtain approval from the Health
Care Authority to amend their rates; and
Whereas Rate review does not exist in many states; and
Whereas, Restructuring the rate review process may be needed;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the rate review process within the Health Care
Authority; and be it
Further resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance consult with the Health Care Authority, experts in health
care financing, payers, the West Virginia Hospital Association, and
other interested parties who may offer insight into the rate review
process; and be it
Further resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011 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.