Healthcare

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 272: Department of Health rule relating to basic public health service standards for local boards of health

SB 272 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Health to establish basic public health service standards for local health boards by creating a Public Health Advisory Committee. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the Commissioner (including representatives from local health departments, county associations, and the West Virginia Association of Local Health Departments), will advise the Department, develop performance assessment tools for local health boards, and provide input on training. This bill directly affects local health boards by setting procedural requirements for their oversight and standardization under state health regulations. The measure focuses on administrative structure rather than direct public policy changes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes Department of Health to set public health service standards via advisory committee, strengthening oversight and performance assessment for local health boards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 279: Office of Inspector General rule relating to behavioral health centers licensure

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves unnecessary licensure barriers for agencies providing behavioral health services, enabling expanded access to mental health care without new costs or restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 16, 2026

HB 4436: To require children interviewed by Child Protective Services have their interviews conducted at a child advocacy center

HB 4436 requires that child abuse and neglect investigations by West Virginia's Child Protective Services (CPS) must conduct face-to-face interviews with children at designated Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), where available. This directly affects children involved in CPS cases, CPS workers, and local CACs that would serve as the mandated interview location. The bill amends existing law to specify that interviews must occur at a CAC under county protocol, aiming to provide a more child-friendly environment during sensitive questioning. It does not create new centers but mandates using existing ones when accessible, focusing on improving interview conditions for child safety.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates CPS interviews at Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), which provide integrated medical/mental health services, improving access to healthcare for child abuse victims.85% confidence

Tags Children

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4223: Relating to authorizing the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the exemption of Certificate of Need.

HB 4223 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to implement a rule (65 CSR 29) that would exempt certain healthcare facilities from needing state approval, known as a Certificate of Need (CON), before building new facilities or expanding existing ones. This rule would apply directly to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers seeking to avoid the standard CON review process. The rule was previously filed with the State Register on July 21, 2025, and this bill formally authorizes it under state law to take effect. The change reduces regulatory hurdles for eligible facilities while maintaining oversight through the Department of Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves Certificate of Need requirement for healthcare facilities, reducing regulatory barriers to expand services and potentially improving patient access.90% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026

HB 4989: Professional Firefighter cancer screening

HB 4989 establishes a state-funded pilot program offering free cancer screenings to West Virginia's active and retired firefighters. The program provides a comprehensive screening package including a multi-cancer blood test, abdominal/thyroid/liver ultrasound, lung CT if needed, and skin cancer screening, with a $1,300 cost limit per person. Firefighters may self-fund screenings before July 1, 2026, and seek reimbursement, while the state covers costs for the 24-month pilot starting July 1, 2026. A committee will develop the program plan, track participation and results, and report findings to state leaders after 12 and 24 months.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareState-funded cancer screening program for firefighters, expanding access to preventive healthcare services through public health initiative.90% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4188: Provide tax credit incentive to businesses and individuals that donate to pregnancy/birth centers

HB 4188 creates a nonrefundable tax credit for businesses that donate to pregnancy or birthing centers in West Virginia. Businesses can claim a credit equal to their donation amount, provided they submit proof of the contribution to the Tax Commissioner. The credit reduces the business's state tax liability but cannot be refunded if it exceeds the tax owed. This policy directly affects businesses making qualifying donations, aiming to incentivize financial support for these community health services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates nonrefundable tax credit for business donations to pregnancy centers, reducing tax liability as fiscal incentive to support community health services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareTax credit incentivizes donations to pregnancy/birth centers, directly funding community health services per bill's purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 4747: Creating the Certified Professional Midwife Licensing and Regulation Act

HB 4747 creates West Virginia's first licensing system for certified professional midwives (CPMs), directly affecting midwives seeking to practice in the state. The bill establishes requirements including holding a valid NARM certification, completing NARM-approved education, and paying application fees (max $100). It mandates ongoing renewal with current NARM certification and participation in perinatal outcome data reporting, while outlining specific processes for license reinstatement after lapses or disciplinary actions. This legislation formalizes CPM practice under state regulation, aligning with national NARM standards rather than expanding midwifery scope.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates first licensing system for midwives, enabling legal practice and improving access to midwifery healthcare services per bill's purpose.92% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 609: Exempting students of higher education from compulsory vaccination requirements

SB 609 would exempt West Virginia higher education students at colleges, universities, and vocational schools from mandatory vaccination requirements. Students aged 18+ or their parents/guardians could request exemption by submitting a signed statement objecting to immunizations based on sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill creates a new religious exemption pathway for student vaccinations, replacing current policies requiring all students to comply with school immunization rules. This change applies specifically to higher education institutions and does not affect other vaccination requirements.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill creates religious exemption for student vaccinations, reducing mandatory public health requirement. Limits enforcement of vaccination program.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 273: Department of Health rule relating to diabetes self-management education

SB 273 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to implement a specific rule (64 CSR 115) regarding diabetes self-management education programs. The bill formally approves a legislative rule previously filed in the State Register on July 25, 2025, which outlines requirements for these education programs. This rule directly affects the Department of Health, which will use it to regulate diabetes self-management education services. The bill does not create new requirements but legally validates an existing rule to ensure its enforceability.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareApproves regulatory rule (64 CSR 115) for diabetes self-management education programs, enabling structured patient education and access to care under Department of Health oversight.95% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 4717: Supplemental Appropriation for Rural Health Transformation Program

HB 4717 adds $199.48 million in federal funds to West Virginia's Rural Health Transformation Program for fiscal year 2026. This supplemental appropriation directly affects the Department of Health's Central Office (fund 8802, org 0506) by providing additional funding for the program. The bill supplements existing appropriations using unspent federal moneys remaining for the 2026 fiscal year, specifically to support rural health initiatives as outlined in the program's purpose.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds $199.48M federal funds to rural health program, increasing public service funding using unspent federal moneys.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds $199.48M federal funds to rural health program, directly increasing healthcare funding for rural initiatives as specified in bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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