To make April 19th, Patriots Day in West Virginia

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Anders and 7 co-sponsors

HB 2462 enhances the Electronic Prescription Accountability System, improving prescription safety for patients and providing better tools for healthcare providers.

To House Education

#financeandadministration

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 2462
Introduced: January 22, 2024
Status: Referred to HHS/PSM, CPN
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Electronic Prescription Accountability System, MedQUEST, Pharmacists

The purpose of HB 2462 is to enhance the Electronic Prescription Accountability System (EPAS) in order to improve the management and oversight of electronic prescriptions within the state. This bill aims to ensure better accountability and safety in the prescribing and dispensing of medications.

Key Provisions

Strengthening EPAS: The bill proposes amendments to the existing Electronic Prescription Accountability System to improve its functionality and effectiveness in tracking prescriptions.

Involvement of Healthcare Professionals: It emphasizes the roles of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and pharmacists in the prescription process, ensuring they have the necessary tools and access to information to provide safe patient care.

Integration with MedQUEST: The bill seeks to align the EPAS with MedQUEST, the state's Medicaid program, to facilitate better data sharing and coordination among healthcare providers.

Impact

Healthcare Providers: The bill will directly affect APRNs and pharmacists by providing them with enhanced resources and systems for managing prescriptions, which could lead to improved patient outcomes.

Patients: By improving the accountability of electronic prescriptions, patients may experience increased safety and reduced risk of medication errors.

State Healthcare System: The integration of EPAS with MedQUEST is expected to streamline processes within the state’s healthcare system, potentially leading to cost savings and improved efficiency.

Legislative Timeline

January 22, 2024: Bill introduced and passed First Reading.

February 2, 2024: Referred to the committees on HUS and CPC.

February 6, 2024: The committee on HUS recommended the bill be passed with amendments.

February 12, 2024: Passed Second Reading as amended and referred to CPC.

February 22, 2024: Scheduled for a hearing by CPC.

March 1, 2024: Passed Third Reading with unanimous support and transmitted to the Senate.

March 5, 2024: Received from the House and passed First Reading in the Senate.

March 7, 2024: Referred to HHS/PSM and CPN committees in the Senate.

Related Legislation

SB 3151: This bill is a companion measure to HB 2462, indicating parallel legislative efforts to address the same issues related to electronic prescriptions.

In summary, HB 2462 aims to enhance the Electronic Prescription Accountability System, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of prescription management in the state. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process and has garnered support from various stakeholders in the healthcare community.

Bill