This bill aims to amend the West Virginia Birth-to-Three program by providing a 25 percent increase in payments for services rendered by therapists and other professionals who are not employed by a state agency. The new legal language specifies that beginning July 1, 2025, these contracted professionals will receive the increased payment for their services, enhancing the financial support for 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 appropriations from the Legislature, fund transfers from the Department of Health, public agency contributions, private donations, client fees, and investment returns. It ensures that the funds are exclusively used for early intervention services and that any remaining balance at the end of the fiscal year will not revert to the state Treasury but will remain in the fund for future use.

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