The proposed bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing the Behavioral Health Center Licensure Act, which introduces comprehensive licensing requirements for both residential and non-residential behavioral health centers. This legislation aims to ensure safe and effective treatment for individuals with mental, behavioral, or addictive disorders by outlining the responsibilities of the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification. Key provisions include the establishment of minimum standards, the requirement for a governing body and administrator, and detailed procedures for licensing, inspections, and penalties for non-compliance. The bill also includes definitions for terms such as "abuse," "addiction," and "neglect," and mandates that all behavioral health centers obtain a license to operate, with specific categories for initial, provisional, and renewal licenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces new operational requirements, such as the need for centers to report changes in ownership, maintain employee background checks, and ensure eligibility for Medicaid and private insurance enrollment. It establishes a fee structure for licensing and outlines the conditions under which the director may impose restrictions or revoke licenses. The legislation also includes provisions for waivers and variances, a structured dispute resolution process, and the requirement for advertisements to disclose the responsible party's name. Overall, the bill represents a significant overhaul of the regulatory framework governing behavioral health services in West Virginia, aiming to enhance oversight, accountability, and client safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5EE-1, 16-5EE-2, 16-5EE-3, 16-5EE-4, 16-5EE-5, 16-5EE-6, 16-5EE-7, 16-5EE-8, 16-5EE-9, 16-5EE-10, 16-5EE-11, 16-5EE-12, 16-5EE-13, 27-9-1, 27-9-2, 27-17-1, 27-17-2, 27-17-3, 27-17-4