This bill aims to amend the West Virginia Code to enhance the compensation for therapists and other professionals providing services to the West Virginia Birth-to-Three Program. Specifically, it introduces a provision that mandates a 25 percent increase in payments for these contracted professionals who are not employed by any state agency, effective July 1, 2025. This increase is intended to support the delivery of early intervention services for children with developmental delays.

Additionally, the bill outlines the sources of funding for the West Virginia Birth-to-Three Fund, which includes legislative appropriations, fund transfers from the Department of Health, public agency contributions, private donations, client fees, and investment returns. The funds are designated exclusively for early intervention services, ensuring that any remaining balance at the end of the fiscal year will not revert to the state Treasury but will remain available for future use in accordance with the article's provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5K-6