This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Pilot Program, requiring participating counties to have at least one QMHP in each public school. A QMHP is defined as a person qualified and registered by the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling to provide mental health services, and school counselors are classified as QMHPs for this purpose. The pilot program will involve ten counties selected by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education and Accountability (LOCEA), which will report on the program's outcomes after two years to assess the potential for expansion.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities and training requirements for school counselors, emphasizing their role in providing counseling services and participating in ongoing professional development. It also allows counties to contract with federal and state agencies for billing purposes under the pilot program. The legislation aims to enhance mental health support in schools by ensuring the presence of qualified professionals to address the mental health needs of students.

Statutes affected:
Originating in Committee: 18-5-18b