The bill amends West Virginia Code §49-4-108, which pertains to the payment for services in child welfare proceedings. It allows courts to order the Department of Human Services to pay Medicaid rates for professional services rendered to children or other parties involved in these proceedings. The bill includes provisions for the court to order services to be provided at a higher rate than the Medicaid rate if those services are not rendered within 30 days, and it requires the Department of Human Services to set reimbursement rates for socially necessary services.

Significantly, the bill eliminates the court's ability to order certain services for adults to be paid at a higher rate than the Medicaid rate or the rate established by the Department of Human Services. This change aims to standardize payment rates and ensure that services are provided in a timely manner while maintaining fiscal responsibility within the child welfare system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-108
Committee Substitute: 49-4-108
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 49-4-108