Bill > SB661

This bill revises the process for involuntary mental health commitment and patient transportation in West Virginia. The legislation makes several key changes: first, it allows law enforcement agencies (such as the Sheriff's Office or the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation) to use multiple deputies or staff members during patient transportation and to be reimbursed by the Department of Health Facilities for the actual costs of transport. Second, the bill grants counties more flexibility in selecting hospitals for patient placement, specifically allowing them to contract with hospitals that are closer to their jurisdiction and even permitting the use of out-of-state hospitals. These changes aim to improve the efficiency and safety of transporting individuals who have been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment, while also providing local jurisdictions with more discretion in managing these sensitive situations. The bill modifies existing law to address practical challenges in mental health commitment procedures, potentially reducing transportation costs and improving patient care by allowing more strategic hospital selection.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=661&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill