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West VirginiaHB 50862026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to peer support services

Sponsored By: Jonathan Pinson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§21-18-1§57-3-11

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Confidentiality for peer support talks

Peer support team members are protected from being forced to testify about talks with people they help and their advice. The privilege has clear exceptions: danger to someone (including child abuse), the person consents, a deceased person’s spouse or executor consents, the person testifies, a judge finds it is not about peer support, or the talk relates to a crime. At an incident scene, the talks are only privileged if the person asked for help and the appointing entity directed the service.

More professionals can advise peer teams

Employers can name licensed health professionals to advise peer support teams. Eligible advisors include physicians (MD/DO), psychologists, psychiatric-mental health APRNs, licensed professional counselors, and licensed social workers.

Training rules for peer support teams

Peer support team members must complete at least 8 hours of basic training and take refreshers at least every three months. Required topics include basic peer support skills, mental health risk factors, confidentiality and privileged communications, local mental health resources, and strong communication and conflict resolution. Meeting these training rules is required to claim the testimonial privilege.

Boards can't punish you for seeking help

State licensing boards cannot discipline you solely for voluntarily seeking peer support, counseling, or therapy. Boards also cannot force you to disclose treatment or peer support, unless federal law requires it or it is needed to judge your current fitness to practice. Boards may still require you to join a board‑designated professional health program.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jonathan Pinson

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Scot C. Heckert

    Republican • House

  • Hollis Lewis

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 653)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 502)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/26/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 207)

Yes: 92 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/25/2026

    3/25/2026House

  3. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  4. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 653)

    3/14/2026House

  5. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  6. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  7. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  11. On 3rd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  12. Read 3rd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  13. Passed Senate (Roll No. 502)

    3/12/2026Senate

  14. Title amendment adopted

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. Senate requests House to concur

    3/12/2026Senate

  16. On 2nd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  17. Read 2nd time

    3/11/2026Senate

  18. Committee amendments adopted (Voice vote)

    3/11/2026Senate

  19. Reported do pass, with amendments

    3/10/2026Senate

  20. Immediate consideration

    3/10/2026Senate

  21. Read 1st time

    3/10/2026Senate

  22. Introduced in Senate

    2/27/2026Senate

  23. To Health and Human Resources

    2/27/2026Senate

  24. To Health and Human Resources

    2/27/2026Senate

  25. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    2/26/2026House

Bill Text

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