Governor Patrick Morrisey signed legislation designed to help West Virginia quickly deploy nearly $200 million in federal funding aimed at improving health care access in rural communities across the state.
The bill, House Bill 4740, gives the state Department of Health targeted purchasing exemptions so officials can move faster on projects tied to the Rural Health Transformation Program. The goal is to make sure West Virginia can meet strict federal timelines and avoid losing funds to preventable delays.
Morrisey described the opportunity as a once-in-a-generation chance to strengthen rural health care. By cutting through red tape, the administration is positioning local providers and communities to get help where it is needed most.
The legislation is expected to speed up modernization efforts for rural health systems, improve access to care, and help stabilize services in parts of West Virginia that have struggled with provider shortages and long travel times for treatment.
State leaders said the purchasing flexibility was necessary because traditional procurement rules could have slowed implementation and risked federal clawbacks. With the bill signed, West Virginia can move more aggressively to put the money to work.
The measure reflects a broader Morrisey priority: pairing fiscal discipline with faster execution so major funding opportunities translate into real improvements for West Virginia families.
Originally published by WV News
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