HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 93

(By Delegate Morgan, Martin, Argento, Beach, Caputo, Eldridge, Hatfield, Higgins, Hutchins, Palumbo, D. Poling, Cowles, C. Miller, Porter, Rowan, Schoen )

(Originating in the Committee on Government Organization;

March 3, 2008)

Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance authorize a study of the advisability and feasibility of the creation of a new professional licensure category of marriage and family therapy, including whether this new licensure category should be coordinated with the regulation of counselors or social workers.

Whereas, There is a shortage of professional behavioral health care services in West Virginia; and,
Whereas, It is in the public interest to provide the people of this state with sufficient, qualified professional behavioral health care services; and,
Whereas, West Virginia currently has professional licensure boards for counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other health care providers who now provide marriage and family therapy services; and,
Whereas, Many states have one licensing board regulating the practice of counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy services, and this model should be examined by the Legislature and Legislative Auditor for application in this state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to authorize a study of the advisability and feasibility of the creation of a new professional licensure category of marriage and family therapy, including whether this new licensure category should be coordinated with the regulation of counselors or social workers; and be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2009, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.