2026 Regular Session
HB 5238
Screening for adverse childhood experiences
In Committee
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to establish a system for screening West Virginia children for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). It recognizes a link between ACEs and later health problems, such as chronic diseases, and proposes mandatory insurance coverage for these screenings. The bill also outlines a plan for providing screenings through schools for children without health insurance.
Key provisions
- Requires screening for adverse childhood experiences.
- Defines ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences’ as traumatic events impacting a child’s health.
- Mandates coverage for ACE screenings in public and private health insurance.
- Establishes a program for school-based screenings for uninsured children.
- Identifies factors like food insecurity and single-parent households as indicators of potential trauma.
- Recognizes a link between ACEs and chronic diseases.
- Creates new sections of the West Virginia Code related to ACE screening.
Who is affected
- Children in West Virginia
- Health insurance providers
- Public and private schools
- Families with children
- The State Department of Education
Notable changes
- Introduces mandatory screening for ACEs as a preventative measure.
- Expands insurance coverage to include ACE screenings.
- Creates a state-supported screening program for uninsured children in schools.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Hornbuckle
HouseWVDemocrat
Cosponsor
Garcia
HouseWVDemocrat
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