HB 4228 authorizes the Office of Inspector General to establish a rule for licensing behavioral health centers. It specifically clarifies that child placing agencies providing behavioral health services are deemed licensed for those services under their existing child placing license, as defined in another rule (78CSR02). This change eliminates the need for these agencies to obtain a separate behavioral health license. The bill amends an existing rule (71 CSR 25) to include this provision, streamlining the licensing process for covered agencies.
SB 279 amends a rule to clarify that child placing agencies providing behavioral health services are covered under their existing licenses, eliminating the need for separate licensure for those services. The bill adds a new provision stating the Office of Inspector General director will deem such agencies' licenses to include behavioral health services as defined in 78CSR02. This directly affects child placing agencies in West Virginia that offer behavioral health services within their current licensing scope. The policy change simplifies licensure requirements by aligning behavioral health services with existing agency licenses.
HB 4302 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Optometry to implement a specific administrative rule (14 CSR 08) for optometrists seeking licensure through reciprocity with other states. The bill formally approves a rule the Board previously developed, modified to address legislative committee concerns, which governs how out-of-state licenses may be recognized. This affects optometrists applying for West Virginia licensure without retaking exams, streamlining the process for qualified professionals moving between states.
SB 580 updates West Virginia's licensing rules for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, directly affecting radiologic technologists, MRI technicians, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologists. Key changes include allowing radiation therapists to earn licensure through direct degree programs (without prior radiography training), restricting denial of licensure to only healthcare-related criminal convictions, and aligning their scope of practice with national standards. The bill also eliminates six-month temporary licenses, transfers oversight of radiologist assistants from the Board of Medicine to the Medical Imaging Board, and adds new definitions to clarify regulations. These updates aim to modernize licensing requirements while maintaining public safety standards.
HB 4715 removes the requirement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in West Virginia to practice under direct physician supervision. The bill repeals sections §30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11 of the state code, which previously mandated supervision, and amends related provisions to allow these providers to practice independently. This change directly affects licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants who will no longer need a collaborating physician's oversight for their scope of practice. The bill focuses on updating regulatory language to eliminate supervision barriers, without altering prescribing rules or other practice parameters.
SB 189 establishes a licensing framework for certified professional midwives (CPMs) in West Virginia, requiring a license from the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses to practice midwifery or use the title "licensed midwife." The bill defines key terms like "midwife," "licensed midwife," and "collaboration" with physicians, clarifying that midwives provide primary maternity care but must refer clients needing higher medical care. It sets requirements for licensure, continuing education, temporary permits, and prohibits unlicensed practice, while outlining responsibilities for midwives including client confidentiality and proper referrals. This bill directly affects midwives seeking to legally practice and their clients by creating standardized regulations for midwifery care in the state.
SB 677 establishes a new licensing framework for genetic counselors in West Virginia, requiring a valid license to practice and mandating criminal background checks for all applicants. It prohibits genetic counselors from representing themselves as licensed physicians, with violations punishable by up to two years in prison or a $2,000 fine. The bill also sets continuing education requirements, defines the scope of practice for genetic counselors, and creates separate disciplinary procedures under the West Virginia Board of Medicine.
HB 4316 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Physical Therapy to establish a specific rule (16 CSR 05) governing general practice standards for athletic trainers. This rule will directly affect athletic trainers by setting requirements for their licensure, scope of practice, and professional conduct within the state. The bill formally approves a previously modified rule that was reviewed and refiled after addressing concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee.
This bill authorizes West Virginia's Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners to implement continuing education requirements for licensed professionals in these fields, referencing an existing rule (18 CSR 02) filed in the State Register on June 3, 2025. It does not create new policy but formally permits the board to enforce its established continuing education standards. The bill directly affects medical imaging and radiation therapy technicians who must meet these education requirements to maintain licensure. This is a procedural measure to confirm the board's authority over its existing rule.
This bill requires individuals to hold a state license to use the titles "dietitian," "licensed dietitian," or "nutritionist" and to provide medical nutrition therapy in West Virginia after June 30, 2026. It restricts the use of these titles without a license, while exempting certain activities like marketing food products without those titles, existing licensed health professionals providing nutrition care within their scope, students under supervision, military personnel, and WIC program staff. The bill also defines "qualified supervisor" requirements and clarifies that federally trademarked nutrition credentials do not replace state licensing. It directly affects professionals seeking to use these titles or provide medical nutrition therapy services.
