West Virginia SB897: Relating to licensure and certification of alcohol and drug counselors

What the bill says

An act to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §16-67-1, §16-67-2, §16-67-3, §16-67-4, §16-67-5, §16-67-6, §16-67-7, §16-67-8, §16-67-9, §16-67-10, §16-67-11, §16-67-12, §16-67-13, §16-67-14, §16-67-15, §16-67-16, §16-67-17, §16-67-18, §16-67-19, §16-67-20, §16-67-21, §16-67-22, §16-67-23, and §16-67-24, relating to licensure and certification of alcohol and drug counselors; defining terms; setting forth eligibility for licensure and certification; restrictions on private practice; licensure eligibility requirements; certification eligibility r.

From the enrolled text, March 14, 2026:

AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §16-67-1, §16-67-2, §16-67-3, §16-67-4, §16-67-5, §16-67-6, §16-67-7, §16-67-8, §16-67-9, §16-67-10, §16-67-11, §16-67-12, §16-67-13, §16-67-14, §16-67-15, §16-67-16, §16-67-17, §16-67-18, §16-67-19, §16-67-20, §16-67-21, §16-67-22, §16-67-23, and §16-67-24, relating to licensure and certification of alcohol and drug counselors; defining terms; setting forth eligibility for licensure and certification; restrictions on private practice; licensure eligibility requirements; certification eligibility requirements; alternative certification eligibility; application fee for licensure; renewal fee for licensure; application fee for certification; renewal fee for certification; contracting services; grandfathering of licensee based on education; grandfathering of certified individuals based on education; grandfathering of certified individuals based on experience and examination; licensure and certification endorsement; title protection; disciplinary actions; exception to licensure and certifications for healthcare providers; exception to licensure and certifications for students; exception to licensure and certifications for state-employed rehabilitation counselors; exception to licensure and certifications for supervised employees and self-help groups; issuance of initial license; providing for rule-making authority; and requiring the Bureau for Behavioral Health to be fully able to administer the licensure and certification program by no later than July 1, 2027. Article 67. Licensure and certification of alcohol and drug counselors. §16-67-1. Definitions. For purposes of this "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Bureau for Behavioral Health; "Co-occurring disorder" means …