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WV HB5568
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
James Akers
Click for details
AI Summary
- Shifts payment responsibility for court-ordered professional services in child welfare proceedings (Chapter 49) from the Department of Human Services to the agency with legal custody of the child or children involved
- Maintains court authority to order professional services (treatment, therapy, counseling, evaluations, expert testimony) for children and parties at Medicaid rates during proceedings
- Preserves the provision allowing courts to order services at rates higher than Medicaid if covered services for a child are not provided within 30 days
- Applies the same payment responsibility shift to socially necessary services, requiring the agency with legal custody to pay rather than automatically defaulting to the Department of Human Services
- Retains the right of obligated agencies to object and request a hearing, with courts required to issue findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting their decisions
Legislative Description
Relating to the payment of services rendered in proceedings under Chapter 49
Human Services
Last Action
To House Judiciary
2/16/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/16/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available