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 collaborative mental health services. Notably, school counselors will be classified as QMHPs under this legislation, allowing them to fulfill this role within the schools. The pilot program will initially include ten counties selected by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education and Accountability (LOCEA), which will evaluate the program's effectiveness after two years.

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 related to the pilot program. The legislation aims to enhance mental health support in schools by ensuring that qualified professionals are available to address the needs of students.

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