Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SB 1055: Conducting rate study for substance use disorder

SB 1055 requires the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services to conduct regular, data-driven reviews of Medicaid reimbursement rates for substance use disorder services. The bill mandates that these reviews consider factors like provider costs, workforce wages, service utilization trends, geographic access, and inflation, while engaging stakeholders including treatment providers and consumer representatives. It establishes annual reporting requirements for the Bureau to share findings and methodology with the legislature, ensuring transparency in rate adjustments. This process directly affects Medicaid-funded treatment centers and aims to balance access to care with responsible fiscal management.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates data-driven review of Medicaid reimbursement rates for substance use disorder services, ensuring rates reflect provider costs and access needs, supporting treatment access and provider sustainability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Substance Abuse

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

HB 5077: Related to Mental Health Protection Act

HB 5077 requires all health insurance policies in West Virginia (including group plans, public employee coverage, and hospital plans) issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, to cover medically necessary mental health and substance use disorder treatment. It defines "medically necessary" as care meeting established clinical standards, being appropriate in type/duration, and not primarily benefiting insurers. The law prohibits insurers from using arbitrary "discretionary clauses" to deny such coverage. This directly affects all West Virginians with health insurance by mandating comprehensive coverage for these conditions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health coverage in insurance, prohibits arbitrary denials, and defines 'medically necessary' care per support indicators for healthcare expansion.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires mental health coverage in health insurance (via group plans/public employee coverage), expanding worker benefits as part of employment standards under Labor & Employment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse Public Employees

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

HB 5618: Federal Court Decision Striking Down Certificate of Need Moratorium.

HB 5618 ends West Virginia's moratorium on new opioid treatment facilities requiring a certificate of need, effective July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects new opioid treatment programs seeking licensure, removing a 2016-era barrier that prevented new providers from entering the market. It responds to a federal court ruling (Slaughter v. Edney) finding the moratorium violated equal protection by blocking new entrants while allowing existing providers to operate. The key provision sets a specific end date for the moratorium, allowing new facilities to apply for licenses without needing a certificate of need after July 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves barrier to new opioid treatment facilities, increasing access to substance abuse care - a critical healthcare service - aligning with patient access and mental health support indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 5428: Relating to providing traumatic event counseling for peace officers.

HB 5428 requires employers of peace officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers to provide up to 12 sessions of licensed counseling (via telehealth if desired) for employees exposed to specific traumatic events in the line of duty, such as witnessing death, using deadly force, or responding to child-related incidents. Employers must cover up to 24 additional counseling sessions within one year if a mental health professional deems them necessary for recovery. The bill also prohibits requiring employees to use accrued leave for counseling appointments and ensures no loss of pay or benefits for up to 30 days if deemed unfit for duty during treatment, subject to specific conditions. It allows employees to select their own licensed mental health professional and clarifies that payment does not create a presumption of compensable claims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides mental health support for law enforcement officers after traumatic incidents, promoting officer well-being and accountability in criminal justice operations.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates employer coverage for mental health counseling for first responders exposed to trauma, directly expanding access to mental health services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates employer-provided mental health counseling for trauma exposure during work duties, enhancing workplace safety and employee well-being for high-risk professions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health Substance Abuse Tags Public Safety

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 5672: Relating to collecting a tax from all manufacturers and distributors of opioid drugs

HB 5672 imposes an annual excise tax on opioid manufacturers and distributors selling Schedule II drugs to West Virginia pharmacies. The tax equals one cent per 100 pills multiplied by the previous year's state opioid overdose death count (as reported by the Department of Health). Pharmacies collect this tax from manufacturers/distributors (not patients) and remit it to the Ryan Brown Addiction Prevention and Recovery Fund. This revenue directly funds state addiction prevention and recovery programs. The tax rate adjusts yearly based on updated overdose statistics.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tax on opioid manufacturers to fund addiction prevention/recovery programs, directly increasing state budget allocation for essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirectly funds addiction prevention/recovery programs via opioid manufacturer tax, advancing public health initiatives as specified in bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Substance Abuse

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 5633: Relating to extending the expiration date on a pilot program administered by the Herbert Henderson Office on Minority Affairs to promote public health through comprehensive community development.

HB 5633 extends the expiration date of a pilot program run by the Herbert Henderson Office on Minority Affairs, which aims to improve public health through community development in West Virginia. The program, currently set to expire on July 1, 2031, will continue addressing poverty, substance abuse, and other health challenges by coordinating existing state and federal resources like housing services and youth programs. It requires collaboration with nonprofit organizations and targets rural, suburban, and urban communities to improve health outcomes and economic development. The program must report progress to the Select Committee on Minority Affairs Interim Committee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends pilot program improving public health via community development, coordinating resources to address poverty/substance abuse challenges in West Virginia.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

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signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 5366: Relating to rules governing the practice of law

HB 5366 amends West Virginia law to clarify that certain records related to the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program are confidential and not subject to public records requests. It directly affects attorneys who use this program, which provides support for mental health and substance abuse issues. The bill specifically states that records gathered under the program’s rules - covering procedures, referrals, and services - are exempt from disclosure under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. This change ensures these sensitive attorney assistance records remain private, preventing public access while maintaining program confidentiality.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects confidentiality of mental health records for attorneys, encouraging access to program support without fear of disclosure95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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

HB 5085: Related to troubled teen industry

HB 5085 requires private residential programs for adolescents with behavioral or emotional challenges to obtain a license from West Virginia’s Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification. The bill mandates background checks for all staff with direct contact with youth, prohibits physical discipline or denial of education, and requires programs to report restraints/seclusion within one business day. It also mandates written policies for suicide prevention, allows parents to remove youth or request weekly video calls, and requires programs to publicly post complaint procedures. The law directly affects operators of these residential programs (excluding schools, camps, or faith-based organizations), imposing new licensing, safety, and transparency requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health facility safety standards (background checks, suicide prevention, banning physical discipline) under Health licensing, directly protecting patient rights and care quality in behavioral health services.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health Substance Abuse Tags Licensing

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signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 897: Relating to licensure and certification of alcohol and drug counselors

SB 897 establishes licensing and certification requirements for alcohol and drug counselors in West Virginia. It defines key terms like "substance use disorder" and "practice of alcohol and drug counseling," which includes evaluating addiction issues, developing treatment plans, and providing trauma-informed care. The bill sets eligibility criteria, application fees, renewal fees, and grandfathering provisions for existing counselors based on education or experience. It also creates disciplinary actions for violations and specifies exceptions for healthcare providers, state employees, and self-help groups. This bill directly affects counselors seeking to provide substance use disorder treatment services in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing standards for substance use disorder counselors, enhancing mental health service quality and patient access through defined practice requirements and trauma-informed care protocols.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Substance Abuse

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 5370: Require a 24 -hour hospital hold for persons deemed addicted to specific substances

HB 5370, "Caitlyn's Law," would require a mandatory 24-hour hospital hold for individuals suspected of having a substance use disorder (as defined by the DSM) who are deemed at risk of causing serious harm to themselves or others due to their addiction. This applies when someone lacks judgment about needing treatment due to substance impairment, but excludes cases based solely on dementia, epilepsy, or intellectual disabilities. The bill mandates evaluation by a mental hygiene commissioner or licensed professional within that 24-hour period to determine if further involuntary treatment is needed. It directly affects individuals in West Virginia with suspected substance use disorders who meet specific risk criteria. The bill is currently in committee referral following its introduction on February 9, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates 24-hour hospital hold for substance use disorder evaluation, improving access to mental health services per DSM criteria.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Substance Abuse

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