Healthcare

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 16, 2026

HB 4346: Addressing the number of ambulance squads needed per affected population in every county

HB 4346 requires West Virginia counties to provide emergency ambulance services at a ratio of one ambulance per 18,000 residents. This directly affects all counties and their residents, particularly in areas where ambulance coverage is currently insufficient. The bill mandates that county commissions must first confirm available funds in their budget before providing service, limiting coverage to what is financially feasible. Counties may deliver services directly, through private providers, or via regional authorities established under the law. The measure updates existing law (§7-15-4) to establish this specific service standard.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates ambulance ratio to improve emergency coverage, aligning with healthcare access goals despite budget constraints.85% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 18, 2026

HB 4403: West Virginia Homeless Shelter Oversight & Safety Act

HB 4403 requires all West Virginia homeless shelters to register annually with the Bureau for Public Health and obtain a safety certificate by July 1, 2026. Shelters must meet standardized health, fire safety, staffing, and background check requirements, including resident grievance procedures and incident reporting. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per violation or temporary suspension of operations. The law applies to all shelters regardless of funding source, including faith-based facilities that retain federal religious protections while complying with health and safety standards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates health/safety standards for homeless shelters under public health oversight, protecting vulnerable populations' health access and aligning with public health program safety requirements.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes safety standards for homeless shelters, directly addressing homelessness and improving housing conditions for vulnerable populations through mandatory health, safety, and operational requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Homelessness

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 4641: Relating to codifying the guidelines for nutritionally adequate school breakfasts and lunches

HB 4641 (the "Feed to Achieve Act") requires West Virginia county school boards to provide nutritionally adequate breakfasts and lunches meeting current federal standards, directly affecting all elementary students. It mandates limits on added sugar and sodium in school meals based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and phases in free breakfasts for elementary students where feasible using existing funds like donations or federal programs. Schools must adopt approved breakfast delivery systems (e.g., "Breakfast in the Classroom") and track participation rates, while the state reports annually on program impacts to legislative committees. The bill codifies existing USDA meal patterns without creating new federal funding requirements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates nutritionally adequate school meals meeting federal standards, phases in free breakfasts for elementary students using existing funds, enhancing student health and access to meals as part of K-12 education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates nutritionally adequate school meals meeting federal dietary guidelines, directly promoting public health through school nutrition standards as part of healthcare policy.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 272: Department of Health rule relating to basic public health service standards for local boards of health

SB 272 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Health to establish basic public health service standards for local health boards by creating a Public Health Advisory Committee. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the Commissioner (including representatives from local health departments, county associations, and the West Virginia Association of Local Health Departments), will advise the Department, develop performance assessment tools for local health boards, and provide input on training. This bill directly affects local health boards by setting procedural requirements for their oversight and standardization under state health regulations. The measure focuses on administrative structure rather than direct public policy changes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes Department of Health to set public health service standards via advisory committee, strengthening oversight and performance assessment for local health boards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 279: Office of Inspector General rule relating to behavioral health centers licensure

SB 279 amends a rule to clarify that child placing agencies providing behavioral health services are covered under their existing licenses, eliminating the need for separate licensure for those services. The bill adds a new provision stating the Office of Inspector General director will deem such agencies' licenses to include behavioral health services as defined in 78CSR02. This directly affects child placing agencies in West Virginia that offer behavioral health services within their current licensing scope. The policy change simplifies licensure requirements by aligning behavioral health services with existing agency licenses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves unnecessary licensure barriers for agencies providing behavioral health services, enabling expanded access to mental health care without new costs or restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 16, 2026

HB 4436: To require children interviewed by Child Protective Services have their interviews conducted at a child advocacy center

HB 4436 requires that child abuse and neglect investigations by West Virginia's Child Protective Services (CPS) must conduct face-to-face interviews with children at designated Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), where available. This directly affects children involved in CPS cases, CPS workers, and local CACs that would serve as the mandated interview location. The bill amends existing law to specify that interviews must occur at a CAC under county protocol, aiming to provide a more child-friendly environment during sensitive questioning. It does not create new centers but mandates using existing ones when accessible, focusing on improving interview conditions for child safety.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates CPS interviews at Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), which provide integrated medical/mental health services, improving access to healthcare for child abuse victims.85% confidence

Tags Children

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4223: Relating to authorizing the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the exemption of Certificate of Need.

HB 4223 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to implement a rule (65 CSR 29) that would exempt certain healthcare facilities from needing state approval, known as a Certificate of Need (CON), before building new facilities or expanding existing ones. This rule would apply directly to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers seeking to avoid the standard CON review process. The rule was previously filed with the State Register on July 21, 2025, and this bill formally authorizes it under state law to take effect. The change reduces regulatory hurdles for eligible facilities while maintaining oversight through the Department of Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves Certificate of Need requirement for healthcare facilities, reducing regulatory barriers to expand services and potentially improving patient access.90% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026

HB 4989: Professional Firefighter cancer screening

HB 4989 establishes a state-funded pilot program offering free cancer screenings to West Virginia's active and retired firefighters. The program provides a comprehensive screening package including a multi-cancer blood test, abdominal/thyroid/liver ultrasound, lung CT if needed, and skin cancer screening, with a $1,300 cost limit per person. Firefighters may self-fund screenings before July 1, 2026, and seek reimbursement, while the state covers costs for the 24-month pilot starting July 1, 2026. A committee will develop the program plan, track participation and results, and report findings to state leaders after 12 and 24 months.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareState-funded cancer screening program for firefighters, expanding access to preventive healthcare services through public health initiative.90% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4188: Provide tax credit incentive to businesses and individuals that donate to pregnancy/birth centers

HB 4188 creates a nonrefundable tax credit for businesses that donate to pregnancy or birthing centers in West Virginia. Businesses can claim a credit equal to their donation amount, provided they submit proof of the contribution to the Tax Commissioner. The credit reduces the business's state tax liability but cannot be refunded if it exceeds the tax owed. This policy directly affects businesses making qualifying donations, aiming to incentivize financial support for these community health services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates nonrefundable tax credit for business donations to pregnancy centers, reducing tax liability as fiscal incentive to support community health services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareTax credit incentivizes donations to pregnancy/birth centers, directly funding community health services per bill's purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 4747: Creating the Certified Professional Midwife Licensing and Regulation Act

HB 4747 creates West Virginia's first licensing system for certified professional midwives (CPMs), directly affecting midwives seeking to practice in the state. The bill establishes requirements including holding a valid NARM certification, completing NARM-approved education, and paying application fees (max $100). It mandates ongoing renewal with current NARM certification and participation in perinatal outcome data reporting, while outlining specific processes for license reinstatement after lapses or disciplinary actions. This legislation formalizes CPM practice under state regulation, aligning with national NARM standards rather than expanding midwifery scope.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates first licensing system for midwives, enabling legal practice and improving access to midwifery healthcare services per bill's purpose.92% confidence

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