This bill proposes the creation of a new article in the Code of West Virginia dedicated to the licensure and certification of alcohol and drug counselors. It establishes definitions, eligibility criteria, and restrictions on private practice, mandating that individuals must be licensed or certified to provide counseling services. Key provisions include the introduction of application and renewal fees, as well as a grandfathering clause for certain individuals based on their prior education and experience. The bill also outlines exceptions for healthcare providers, students, state-employed rehabilitation counselors, and self-help groups, while emphasizing the importance of title protection to ensure that only licensed or certified individuals can use specific professional titles.

Additionally, the bill empowers the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health to contract services for credential verification and delineates disciplinary actions for violations. It mandates that employees of the Division of Corrections obtain licensure or certification by specified deadlines. The legislation also grants the West Virginia Department of Health the authority to propose rules for legislative approval, covering essential topics such as examination standards, educational requirements, and procedures for addressing professional misconduct. Overall, this bill aims to enhance the standards and accountability of alcohol and drug counseling practices in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-67-1, 16-67-2, 16-67-3, 16-67-4, 16-67-5, 16-67-6, 16-67-7, 16-67-8, 16-67-9, 16-67-10, 16-67-11, 16-67-12, 16-67-13, 16-67-14, 16-67-15, 16-67-16, 16-67-17, 16-67-18, 16-67-19, 16-67-20, 16-67-21, 16-67-22, 16-67-23, 16-67-24