HB 5086
Relating to peer support services
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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 framework for peer support teams and services in West Virginia. It defines key terms like ‘peer support team,’ ‘peer support team member,’ and ‘peer support services,’ outlining the roles and responsibilities of these teams. Specifically, the bill creates a process for privileged testimonial communications between a peer support team member and an individual receiving support, protecting confidential conversations related to that support.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘peer support team,’ ‘peer support team member,’ and ‘peer support services.’
- Requires employers to maintain a roster of peer support team members, including training compliance.
- Establishes a testimonial privilege for communications between team members and individuals receiving support.
- Outlines specific training requirements for peer support team members (16 hours initially, 8 hours every two years).
- Allows for designated advisors to peer support teams, including licensed medical and mental health professionals.
- Specifies topics that must be covered in peer support training.
- Addresses situations where the testimonial privilege may not apply.
- Clarifies the scope of peer support services to include consultation, risk assessment, and referral.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement officers
- Firefighters
- Emergency medical workers
- Correctional officers
- Individuals experiencing psychological or physical symptoms related to high-stress employment
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