WEST virginia legislature

2018 regular session

Introduced

Senate Bill 604

By Senator Drennan

[Introduced February 19, 2018; Referred
to the Committee on Health and Human Resources; and then to the Committee on Government Organization]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §30-30-22a, relating to temporary permits to perform social work functions within community mental health centers; establishing qualifications for temporary permits; and providing for revocation of permit.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 30. SOCIAL WORKERS.

30-30-22a. Temporary permits to work in community mental health centers.

(a) Community mental health centers in West Virginia are experiencing a shortage of qualified social workers, making it increasingly difficult for the state to provide the best care possible to individuals in need of those services.

(b) The board may issue a temporary permit, for a period not to exceed two years, to an applicant to practice social work functions in a community mental health center. To qualify for a permit, the applicant must be currently licensed as one of the following:

(1) Registered nurse, under §30-7-1 et seq. of this code; or

(2) Licensed professional counselor, under §30-31-1 et seq. of this code; or

(3) Any other equivalent health care professional.

(c) A temporary permit is not subject to renewal.

(d) A temporary permit may be revoked by a majority vote of the board.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to issue temporary permits to perform social work functions within community mental health centers; establish qualifications for temporary permits; and provide for revocation of permit.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.