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.