Healthcare (Mental Health)

HB 5184 would prohibit adding new licensed substance abuse treatment beds in any West Virginia county that already has more than 250 such beds. This directly affects counties meeting that bed threshold by restricting the expansion of drug and alcohol treatment facilities. The bill amends existing law to specifically bar new bed additions in these high-capacity counties, while exempting certain approved clinical trials for opioid treatment programs. It does not change rules for counties with fewer than 250 beds or affect existing facilities. The change creates a clear threshold limiting new treatment capacity in areas already serving high demand.

HB 4770 prohibits the use of AI companions (systems designed to simulate human relationships through personalized, ongoing emotional interactions) in delivering mental health therapy services. It requires explicit, written consent for any AI use in mental health care, banning such tools from diagnosing, treating, or claiming to treat conditions. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2027, affecting mental health providers and insurers. Exceptions allow AI for administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling) but not for direct therapy or emotional engagement.