Bill > SB897

This bill mandates that individuals practicing alcohol and drug counseling in West Virginia must be either licensed or certified, defining key terms like "certified alcohol and drug counselor," "licensed alcohol and drug counselor," and "practice of alcohol and drug counseling," which involves clinical evaluation, treatment planning, and counseling for substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders (the presence of a mental health or medical disorder alongside a substance use disorder). To become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, one generally needs a master's degree in a related field with specific graduate coursework in counseling, and to have met the requirements for certification. Certification as an alcohol and drug counselor requires supervised practical training, years of supervised work experience (a master's degree can substitute for one year), approved education hours, and passing a department-prescribed examination. The bill also includes provisions for "grandfathering" individuals who are already certified by the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals before December 31, 2026, allowing them to become licensed or certified under certain conditions, and establishes title protection, meaning only those licensed or certified can use these professional titles. Exceptions to these requirements are made for other licensed healthcare professionals practicing within their scope, students in training, state-employed rehabilitation counselors as of July 1, 2026, supervised paid counselors, and uncompensated self-help groups. The bill also outlines specific requirements for employees of the West Virginia Division of Corrections to become licensed or certified. The Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health is granted authority to establish rules for licensure, certification, fees, disciplinary actions, and other necessary provisions to implement the article.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=897&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill