Exempt federally qualified health centers from having to obtain a prior authorization for behavioral health services

HB 4840 exempts federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) from prior authorization requirements for behavioral health services. This bill amends specific sections of West Virginia law (including §5-16-7f) to clarify that FQHCs - community health clinics serving underserved areas - do not need prior approval from insurers for these services. The key mechanism is a direct exemption in the prior authorization process, removing a bureaucratic hurdle for FQHCs to provide mental health and substance use treatment. This change directly affects FQHCs and their patients by streamlining access to behavioral health care without altering prior authorization rules for other providers.