Bill > HB5568

This bill modifies existing West Virginia law concerning the payment of services for children involved in legal proceedings under Chapter 49, which deals with child welfare. The key change is that instead of the Department of Human Services (DHS) being automatically ordered to pay for professional services like therapy or evaluations at Medicaid rates, the court can now order the specific agency that has legal custody of the child to pay for these services. This applies to both professional services rendered by health care professionals and "socially necessary services" provided by other entities. The bill also clarifies that payment for these services will be made at Medicaid rates unless the service is not provided within 30 days, in which case the court can order a higher rate. The intent is to ensure that the agency responsible for the child's care is the one ordered to pay for necessary services, promoting a more direct link between the agency's responsibility and the costs incurred.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5568&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill