CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Effective July 1, 2014, clinics that primarily treat patients for chronic pain must be licensed by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC).
“Pain clinic licensure is the most recent step in combating substance abuse in West Virginia,” said Jolynn Marra, director of OHFLAC. “Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and members of the legislature began implementing substance abuse legislation in 2012. Licensure ensures all chronic pain management clinics conform to a common set of standards and meet minimum requirements for care, treatment, health, safety, welfare and comfort of patients.”
Facilities meet the definition of a pain clinic subject to licensure if more than 50 percent of the patients in the practice during any one month period are treated for chronic pain for non-malignant conditions. Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in fines.
OHFLAC will inspect the clinics annually and will investigate complaints regarding facilities suspected of operating as pain clinics. Hospitals, nursing homes and certain other facility types are exempt from licensure.
Clinics are encouraged to contact OHFLAC for more information at (304) 558-0050.
Allison C. Adler ■ DHHR Director of Communications ■ (304) 558-7899 ■ allison.c.adler@wv.gov