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.