West Virginia Pain Clinic Licensing Regulations Begin July 1

There will be new licensing regulations for certain pain clinics in West Virginia starting next month.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources says that beginning July 1, clinics that primarily treat patients for chronic pain must be licensed by Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification.

Officials say pain clinic licensure is the most recent step in combating substance abuse and ensures all chronic pain management clinics conform to a common set of standards and meet minimum requirements.

WCHS-TV reports that facilities meet the definition of a pain clinic if more than 50 percent of the patients during any one month period are treated for chronic pain for non-malignant conditions.

Officials say failure to comply could result in fines. The state will inspect the clinics annually.