Healthcare (Mental Health)

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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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 5413: Relating to the Central Abuse Registry

HB 5413 creates a Central Abuse Registry managed by the West Virginia State Police to track individuals convicted of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property involving children, incapacitated adults, or adults receiving behavioral health services in specific settings like residential care facilities, day care centers, or home care. It requires registrants to provide personal details (name, DOB, SSN) and pay an annual $125 fee to the circuit clerk, with fees funding mental health services for State Police employees. The registry combines existing requirements, so those already registering as sex offenders only pay one $125 fee instead of separate fees. Failure to pay the fee does not violate supervised release, but unpaid fees may result in a recorded judgment lien.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates registry tracking abuse offenders and funds mental health services, strengthening oversight and rehabilitation programs in criminal justice.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates $125 annual fees from registry registrants to fund mental health services, directly advancing healthcare funding per summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole Long-Term Care Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 884: Requiring coverage of treatment for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders in certain circumstances

SB 884 requires health insurance plans (including Medicaid) to cover intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for children diagnosed with specific conditions, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). The bill applies to all health insurance plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2027, directly affecting pediatric patients with these conditions and their insurers. Key provisions mandate that physicians must obtain prior authorization by demonstrating all other treatment options have been exhausted before IVIG coverage is approved. This law aims to standardize coverage for these complex neurological conditions while adding a clinical review step to ensure appropriate use of the treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for IVIG therapy for pediatric autoimmune disorders, expanding access to treatment under Medicaid and private plans for specific conditions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance Mental Health

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

HB 5588: Establish a regulated framework for the medical use of psilocybin to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

HB 5588, the "Therapeutic Psilocybin Act," establishes a regulated framework for using psilocybin to treat PTSD in veterans and first responders. The bill creates licensing requirements for psilocybin production facilities, mandates background checks for staff, and requires providers to register with the state department. Key provisions include requiring insurance coverage for treatment, creating safety protocols for production and testing, and establishing a verification system for medical use. This bill directly affects veterans and first responders with PTSD, medical providers, and psilocybin production facilities, pending legislative approval.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurance coverage for psilocybin PTSD treatment, establishes regulated access framework, and mandates safety protocols - directly expands mental health service access and coverage.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly targets PTSD treatment for veterans via psilocybin framework, mandates insurance coverage, and establishes healthcare access specifically for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 831: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Human Services, fund 8794

This bill (SB 831) reallocates $200,000 within an existing budget line for West Virginia's Department of Human Services Community Mental Health Services (Fund 8794). It decreases funding from the "Federal Coronavirus Pandemic" account and increases funding for "Personal Services and Employee Benefits" to cover staffing costs. The bill does not create new programs or change eligibility for services - it simply shifts existing federal funds between two internal budget categories. This adjustment affects how the Department of Human Services allocates resources for mental health services within its current fiscal year budget.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReallocates $200k from pandemic funds to staff benefits, maintaining mental health services funding without cuts or program changes.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentReallocates funds to 'Personal Services and Employee Benefits' to cover staffing costs, directly supporting workforce compensation within the Department of Human Services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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

HB 5086: Relating to peer support services

HB 5086 establishes standards for peer support programs in West Virginia, directly affecting healthcare workers (covered caregivers like nurses, doctors, social workers, and first responders) and the peer support teams that assist them. The bill defines "peer support services" as nonclinical emotional or practical assistance provided by trained colleagues to help workers manage stress from high-pressure jobs, and requires peer support team members to complete 8 hours of initial training plus quarterly refreshers covering confidentiality, mental health resources, and communication skills. It prohibits licensing boards from disciplining peer support providers or requesting their communications, creating legal protections for these interactions under new §57-3-11. The law also defines key terms and sets training requirements through new sections §21-18-1 and §21-18-2.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes standards for peer support services for healthcare workers, requiring training to manage job stress, directly strengthening mental health support within the healthcare workforce.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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 2, 2026

HB 5042: Prohibit a child in the custody of the state from placement in facility not approved by Department of Human Services

HB 5042 prohibits placing children under state custody (such as in foster care or juvenile justice) in facilities not approved by West Virginia's Department of Human Services (DHS). The bill requires DHS to maintain and annually update a public list of approved out-of-state facilities, including each facility's location and specialty (e.g., mental health care). Exceptions for unapproved facilities are only permitted in "extraordinary circumstances" with DHS Secretary approval. This law directly affects state child welfare systems, DHS oversight, and facilities seeking to house children in state care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires DHS approval for facilities providing mental health care to children in state custody, ensuring access to approved mental health services and protecting patient rights for vulnerable youth.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Tags Children

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