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Bill

HB 5563

To create the West Virginia Timely Transplant Referral and Coordination Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scot Heckert and 2 co-sponsors

Establishes a state-wide, timely referral and coordination system requiring prompt referrals, designated coordinators, standardized timelines, and data reporting to improve access

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Bill Summary · HB 5563

Summary: HB 5563 (2026) – West Virginia Timely Transplant Referral and Coordination Act

Purpose and Intent

HB 5563 aims to establish a formal framework to improve the timeliness and efficiency of organ and tissue transplantation processes in West Virginia. The bill seeks to ensure that potential transplant candidates are identified, referred, and coordinated through a standardized system to minimize delays and optimize patient outcomes.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Creation of a Timely Referral and Coordination System

    • Establishes requirements for healthcare providers, hospitals, and transplant centers to participate in a state-wide referral and coordination framework.
    • Creates timelines and process steps for identifying potential transplant candidates and initiating referral discussions.

  • Mandatory Referral Protocols

    • Requires certain clinicians and facilities (e.g., acute care hospitals, emergency departments, and critical care units) to promptly refer eligible patients to designated transplant coordination entities.
    • Specifies criteria for referral, including medical instability considerations, listed status, and potential for transplantation.

  • Designation and Roles of Coordinating Entities

    • Establishes state-sanctioned transplant coordinators or coordination organizations responsible for tracking referrals, facilitating communication between referring providers and transplant centers, and ensuring follow-through on next steps.
    • Outlines responsibilities related to patient assessment, eligibility screening, and scheduling.

  • Timelines and Performance Standards

    • Sets deadlines for referral submission, initial evaluation, and placement on waitlists where appropriate.
    • Provides benchmarks for timely communication among providers, patients, and transplant teams.

  • Data Collection and Reporting

    • Requires collection of standardized data related to referrals, evaluations, waitlisting, and transplant outcomes.
    • Mandates reporting to a state registry or designated oversight body to monitor performance and access.

  • Privacy and Consent

    • Establishes privacy protections in line with existing health information privacy laws.
    • Outlines consent requirements for sharing medical information among providers, coordinators, and transplant centers.

  • Funding and Oversight

    • May authorize state funding or enable use of existing program funds to support the coordination infrastructure.
    • Defines oversight mechanisms, including the potential for a governing board or state health department involvement to enforce compliance and monitor performance.

Affected Entities and Stakeholders

  • Hospitals and Healthcare Providers
    • Acute care, critical care, and emergency departments with responsibilities to trigger timely referrals.
  • Transplant Centers and Coordinators
    • Entities responsible for evaluating candidates, communicating with referring providers, and managing waitlist processes.
  • Patients
    • Individuals who may be identified as potential organ or tissue transplant candidates and their families.
  • State Agencies
    • Health department or designated oversight body responsible for administration, data collection, and reporting.
  • Payers and Insurers (indirectly)
    • May be affected by changes in referral timing and coordination efficiency impacting care pathways.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date and Implementation
    • The bill would specify an effective date and a phased implementation plan, allowing time for organizations to establish coordination systems and train staff.
  • Transition Provisions
    • May include transitional rules for current referral practices to align with new standards.
  • Compliance and Enforcement
    • Establishes penalties or corrective action processes for non-compliance, along with audits or reviews to ensure adherence.

Potential Impact

  • Improved Access and Equitability
    • Aims to reduce delays in transplant referrals, potentially increasing timely access to transplantation for eligible patients.
  • Enhanced Coordination
    • Centralized or standardized referral workflows can improve communication among providers and transplant centers.
  • Data-Driven Oversight
    • Regular reporting could identify bottlenecks and support policy adjustments to improve transplantation outcomes.
  • Privacy Considerations
    • Emphasizes patient privacy through consent and data protections.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include hypothetical cost estimates, a comparison to existing West Virginia transplant policies, or a section on potential amendments commonly proposed for transplant referral legislation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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