Advisory Bodies

PreviousCommunity Access NextAdditional Resources

Last updated 4 months ago

Advisory Bodies

Has the state established an advisory body for settlement funds?

Yes. The requires the creation of the , which is assisted in its duties by a “,” expert panel, and “regional entities.”[1] The Foundation’s policies and bylaws describe its State Expert Panel and six Regional Expert Panels, which are required to provide non-binding input and guidance regarding expenditures from the 72.5% Foundation share.[2]

The State Expert Panel must:

Consult with each region prior to the disbursement of the region’s Regional Share Allocation[3]
Create a process for regions to submit proposals on uses of non-discretionary distributions[4]
Provide recommendations to regions on projects, services, or expenses to fund.[5]
Review grant applications received from the Regional Expert Panels to ensure compliance with approved purposes[6]
Determine strategies and funding recommendations for submission to the Foundation’s Board of Directors after reviewing and evaluating recommendations and information from the Regional Expert Panels[7]
Assist the Foundation’s Board of Directors “in making decisions about strategies for abating the opioid epidemic in West Virginia.”[8]

The six Regional Expert Panels are required to:

Engage with members of the public in their regions at least quarterly to “identify concerns and funding priorities,” then vet and submit “[a]ll identified needs” to the State Expert Panel.[9]
Conduct a needs assessment for their region every fiscal year[10]
Review applications received by a region to “ensure that the proposals meet the stated need, are [for] approved purpose(s) … and are submitted by reputable and capable entities.”[11]
Submit findings and recommendations to the State Expert Panel after reviewing grant applications[12]

Is the state advisory body required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

Yes. The West Virginia First Foundation’s provides that the State Expert Panel and each Regional Expert Panel must include a member with expertise on “recovery / lived experience.”[13]

What is the overall membership of the state advisory body?

The State Expert Panel and each of the Regional Expert Panels have six members representing each of the following areas of expertise:

Treatment (including mental health and pharmacology)
Prevention
Recovery / lived experience
Systems of care, health policy, and management (including finance)
Law enforcement and judicial systems
First responders[16]

Selection process: Members of the Regional Expert Panels are nominated by the Foundation Board member representing the applicable region and approved by the greater Foundation Board.[17] Members of the State Expert Panel are nominated by members of the Regional Expert Panels representing each area of expertise and approved by the greater Foundation Board.[18]

Terms: Members are typically appointed for 3-year terms.[23] None may simultaneously serve on the State Expert Panel and a Regional Expert Panel.[24]

Are local governments required to establish a settlement advisory body? If so, are local advisory bodies required to include member(s) with lived and/or living experience?

No (up to each locality). Local governments in West Virginia are not required to establish opioid settlement advisory bodies. However, localities may choose to establish advisory councils that include members with lived and/or living experience to help ensure that settlement spending reflects community priorities.

What else should I know?

Citations

PreviousCommunity Access NextAdditional Resources

Last updated 4 months ago