Lawmakers consider statewide oversight for harm reduction programs

West Virginia Delegate Geno Chiarelli is advocating for greater oversight of harm reduction programs via House Bill 2378, which would establish regular local oversight and require these programs to collaborate with public health departments. Chiarelli's concerns stem from an experience at a Morgantown clinic where he found inadequate support for individuals seeking help. Meanwhile, in Scotland, revisions to the National Care Service Bill have prompted criticism from organizations representing unpaid carers, who argue that the changes fail to address critical issues of resource allocation and accountability in social care. These groups emphasize the need for councils to be held responsible for implementing existing legislation that protects carers' rights. Additionally, U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy has reintroduced the Long-term Care and Transparency Act to enhance oversight of state long-term care ombudsman programs and improve care for vulnerable seniors by ensuring better transparency of complaints and outcomes.