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 the services are not rendered within 30 days, and it establishes that the Department of Human Services can object to such orders, leading to a court hearing where findings of fact and conclusions of law must be issued.

Additionally, the bill eliminates the ability of courts 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 the payment rates for services rendered in child welfare cases, ensuring that they align with Medicaid and departmental rates, while still allowing for expedited services when necessary.

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