WV HB5085

Requires private alternative adolescent residential or outdoor programs to obtain a license from the West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification to operate

Mandates criminal and child protection background checks for all program staff with direct access to participants

Prohibits licensed programs from using physical discipline, depriving youth of basic necessities or education, admitting youth outside approved age ranges, or engaging in sexual abuse or exploitation

Requires programs to report use of restraints or seclusion within one business day, allow parents to remove their child, facilitate weekly confidential video communication with families, and provide 24-hour access to the child abuse hotline

Establishes penalties for operating without a license or violating regulations, including fines up to $500 and jail time up to 90 days for first offenses, with each day of continuing violation considered a separate offense