WV SB128

Amends West Virginia Code §49-4-108 to restrict courts from ordering services for adults in child welfare proceedings to be paid at rates higher than Medicaid or Department of Human Services-established rates

Courts retain authority to order the Department of Human Services to pay Medicaid rates for professional services (treatment, therapy, counseling, evaluations, expert testimony) rendered to children or parties in child welfare cases

Preserves an exception allowing courts to order higher-than-Medicaid rates for children only if Medicaid-covered services are not provided within 30 days, after which the department may object and request a hearing

For socially necessary services rendered to children, courts may similarly order above-rate payments if services are delayed beyond 30 days, with the same objection and hearing process

Effective July 11, 2025 (90 days from passage on April 12, 2025)