SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 92

(By Senators Stollings, Yost and D. Hall)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance instruct the Joint Committee on Health to study the benefits and costs of direct reimbursement rates paid by the Bureau for Medical Services for mental health therapy services that have been provided by Master’s-prepared, independently licensed mental health therapists.

    Whereas, Mental health therapy services offered for the prevention, early intervention and treatment of mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse and emotional conditions and disorders are an effective and recognized course of treatment; and

    Whereas, It is anticipated that improved access to quality mental health therapy by Master’s-prepared, independently licensed mental health therapists can effectively address, reduce and eliminate many of the most pressing health, social and behavioral problems facing West Virginia; and

    Whereas, There are a myriad of conditions and individuals relative to mental and behavioral health which will benefit from Master’s-prepared, independently licensed mental health therapists. These conditions and persons include post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury patients, family dysfunction and dissolution, children in the foster care system, juvenile delinquents, substance abuse, truancy, domestic violence and incarcerated individuals; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to instruct the Joint Committee on Health to study the benefits and costs of direct reimbursement rates paid by the Bureau for Medical Services for mental health therapy services that have been provided by Master’s-prepared, independently licensed mental health therapists; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Health report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the 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.