WV HB5636

Requires the West Virginia Department of Human Services to overhaul the Child Welfare Payment System by July 1, 2027, transitioning from worker-triggered payments to a standardized invoice-based system

Mandates annual reconciliation of provider payments be completed within six months after the fiscal year ends, and establishes monthly meetings between provider representatives and the department finance unit

Creates a dedicated payment resolution process with a designated high-level contact for providers to escalate and resolve payment issues

Grants child placement agencies secure, time-limited access to the state PATH system to update foster family status, openings, and certifications in real-time

Addresses legislative findings that current payment failures have caused providers to use lines of credit, delay payroll, close programs, and operate at minimum capacity, resulting in children being placed in hotels instead of appropriate placements