HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 52
(By Delegates Perdue, Leach, Hatfield and Varner)
[Introduced April 3, 2001; referred to the
Committee on Rules.]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct
a comprehensive study of the feasibility and advisability of
requiring health insurers and similar organizations to provide
coverage for persons engaged in clinical trials for treatment
of life-threatening diseases.
Whereas, Clinical trials involving the use of new medicines is
an important part of the process of developing new, life-saving
medicines; and
Whereas, Access to clinical trials can be crucial for treatment
of an illness, especially if it is the only known treatment
available; and
Whereas, Since most health insurers in West Virginia do not
provide coverage for patient participation in clinical trials,
there are limited opportunities for West Virginians to participate
in clinical trials, and when the opportunities do exist, the cost
may prevent participation; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is
requested to conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of
requiring health insurers and similar organizations to provide
coverage for persons engaged in clinical trials for treatment of
life-threatening diseases, including, but not limited to,
considering the economic and clinical impact of requiring insurance
coverage of patient costs in clinical trials and the differences in
patient care costs and clinical outcomes between patients treated
in clinical trials and patients treated outside of clinical trials;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2002, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effect 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.