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.

The bill also outlines the creation of the "West Virginia Birth-to-Three Fund," which is an interest-bearing account established to cover costs associated with early intervention services. The fund will receive money from various sources, including legislative appropriations, transfers from health department funds, public agency contributions, private donations, and client fees. Importantly, any remaining balance in the fund 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