HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Number 101

(Sponsored By: Pack, J. Barach, Barnhart, Bates, Dean, Ferrell, Fleischauer, Forsht, Griffith, Jeffries, D., Mallow, Miller, Pack L., Pushkin, Reed, Rohrbach, Rowan, Summers, Ward, G., Walker )

[Introduced April 5, 2021 ]

Requesting a study of the state’s laboratory needs and the utilization of private laboratories.

Whereas, Several state agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Resources, Department of Agriculture and State Police utilize laboratories to perform testing and other functions; and

Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the critical impact that efficient testing can have on disease spread; and

Whereas, State laboratories were unable to support West Virginia’s testing needs relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in substantial delays in testing results; and

Whereas, The use of private laboratories proved essential in supporting the state’s testing needs; and

Whereas, Other functions performed by state laboratories, such as drug testing and medical examinations, are delayed significantly due to inefficiencies at the state laboratories; and

Whereas, Regular use of private laboratories to complement state laboratories could improve the health and well-being of West Virginians and enhance the functions and efficiency of state agencies; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the increased use of private laboratory services to supplement state laboraties; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report back its findings to the full legislature by the first day of the 2022 Regular Session; 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.