WV HB5428

Requires employers to provide up to 12 paid counseling visits for peace officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers exposed to traumatic events while on duty, including witnessing deaths, crimes against children, using or being subjected to deadly force, or child drownings

Allows up to 24 additional employer-paid counseling visits if a licensed mental health professional determines they are needed, provided visits occur within one year of the first session

Prohibits employers from requiring employees to use accrued vacation, personal, or sick leave to attend treatment visits, and guarantees up to 30 calendar days of pay and benefits if deemed unfit for duty

Mandates annual data collection and reporting to the governor and legislative committees on program participation, average visits, missed work days, and subsequent workers' compensation claims

Exempts state employers that already provide comparable programs offering at least 12 counseling visits per year with additional visits as determined necessary by mental health professionals