HB 5054
Relating to requiring the counties particpating in the QMHP Pilot Program to have at least one qualified mental health professional in each public school in that county.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a pilot program in West Virginia to ensure that counties participating in the Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Pilot Program have at least one qualified mental health professional (QMHP) in each of their public schools. The bill defines a QMHP as a professionally qualified counselor registered with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling, and specifically classifies school counselors as QMHP’s for the purpose of this program. It also outlines training requirements for school counselors and allows counties to contract with federal and state agencies for billing purposes.
Key provisions
- Defines a ‘qualified mental health professional’ (QMHP) as a registered counselor.
- Classifies school counselors as QMHP’s for the pilot program.
- Requires participating counties to have at least one QMHP in each public school.
- Establishes a Qualified Mental Health Professional Pilot Program involving 10 counties.
- Outlines training requirements for school counselors, including annual conferences and specific topics.
- Allows counties to contract with federal and state agencies for billing.
- Provides for the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education and Accountability (LOCEA) to oversee the pilot program and potentially expand it.
- States that counties may exceed the provisions of the bill and that the legislature does not mandate specific funding levels.
Who is affected
- Counties participating in the QMHP Pilot Program
- Public school students in West Virginia
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