House Concurrent Resolution No. 44
(By Chairman Douglas and Delegate Collins)



Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a
study of the need to provide for independent review of mandated health benefits, proposals or amendments to a proposal for mandated health benefits, mandated health insurance coverage, and mandated offerings of health benefits with regard to fiscal and medical efficacy in and for the state of West Virginia.
Whereas,In order to further the goal of reviewing legislative proposals for mandated insurance benefits, a need may exist for documentation of the fiscal impact and medical efficacy of health insurance benefits and coverage which may be proposed; and
Whereas, Consideration should be given to the creation of such a review process to ensure that no unnecessary burden is placed upon the Legislature or legislative process without mindful regard for the possible impacts on such a process; and
Whereas, There is a need for careful analysis regarding the placement of such a process within the governmental structure of the State of West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to review, examine and study the success and shortcomings of other states in which similar practice may exist, the need for such a program in West Virginia, the ways and means to effectuate such a program, and best practices for the State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved,That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1998, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendation; 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 appropriation to the jJoint cCommittee on gGovernment and fFinance.