West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 69 - Health And Human Resources
Title 69 - LEGISLATIVE RULE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Series 69-11 - Medication-Assisted Treatment - Opioid Treatment Programs
Section 69-11-11 - For-Cause Inspections; Complaints

11.1. The Secretary may at any time conduct unannounced inspections of a MAT program for cause if the Secretary has received a complaint about the program or has reason to believe that the program may be operating in violation of federal or state statutes, rules or regulations; may be providing substandard treatment or may be serving as a possible source of diverted medications.

11.2. Any person may file a complaint with the Secretary alleging violation of applicable laws, rules or policies by a MAT program. A complaint shall identify the MAT program by name and state the nature of the complaint.

11.3. At the time of any on-site investigation activities, the investigator shall notify the program sponsor or administrator at opioid treatment programs and medical director of the general reason for the investigation.

11.4. Within 15 working days of the investigation, the Secretary shall provide to the program sponsor or administrator a written report of the results of the investigation. The report shall specify any deficiency found and the rule that forms the basis for the violation.

11.5. The Secretary may permit the MAT program to develop a plan of correction to address any noted violations or deficiencies. The Secretary may advise and consult with the program sponsor, administrator or other personnel with the opioid treatment programs in order to assist with a plan of correction.

11.6. The Secretary may impose a civil money penalty, suspend or revoke a license or take such other action as deemed appropriate to address any violations or deficiencies. In the event the Secretary determines that the continued operation of the MAT program is a threat to the health, welfare and safety of its patients or employees, the Secretary may issue an order immediately closing the facility pursuant to applicable administrative procedures.

11.7. Upon completion of the investigation, the Secretary shall notify the complainant whether the allegations have been substantiated and how to obtain a copy of the report.

11.8. The Secretary shall keep confidential any information that could reasonably lead to the identification of a complainant and of any patient involved in the complaint or investigation. The Secretary shall not disclose such information without the written consent of the complainant or patient. The Secretary shall delete any identifying information before disclosure of investigative information to the public.

11.9. If a complaint becomes the subject of a judicial proceeding, nothing in this rule prohibits the disclosure of information that would otherwise be disclosed in judicial proceedings.

11.10. The Secretary may suspend or revoke a license of a MAT program for violating the prohibitions of this section.