West Virginia law makers are considering new laws for methadone clinics. The proposed rules concern clinic administration, facilities and security but will also tighten the rules on patients taking home the methadone.

Methadone is a synthetic narcotic to treat people addicted to drugs like heroin, morphine or Oxycontin.

After some treatment, the clinics allow patients to take home the medication in a locked bag.

"It used to be that after 30 days, by the federal code, the patient could receive their first take home with clean urine," said director of the Wheeling Treatment Clinic Chris Byers.

The Wheeling Treatment Center already operates on the new rules which require three months of treatment and clean drug screens.

Byers said the clinic fully support the legislation.

"It puts a better pattern out that they're compliant before earning take home so that is an improvement that is support through out," said Byers.

The law is still under consideration.

Barbara Anderson, NEWS9