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West VirginiaSB 8972026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relating to licensure and certification of alcohol and drug counselors

Sponsored By: Brian Helton (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§16-67-1§16-67-2§16-67-3§16-67-4§16-67-5§16-67-6§16-67-7§16-67-8§16-67-9§16-67-10§16-67-11§16-67-12§16-67-13§16-67-14§16-67-15§16-67-16§16-67-17§16-67-18§16-67-19§16-67-20§16-67-21§16-67-22§16-67-23§16-67-24

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Fast-track and grandfathering for counselors

If you had a master’s degree and WV Board certification on or before July 1, 2027, you are deemed licensed. If you lacked a master’s but had WV Board certification by that date, you are deemed certified. If you apply before July 1, 2027, a current WV Board certificate can count instead of the new certification rules. If you were not Board‑certified, you can be certified by documenting five years full‑time (or eight years part‑time) paid supervised work and passing a commissioner‑approved exam by July 1, 2027. Out‑of‑state counselors can get licensed or certified by endorsement, without an exam, if their home standards are at least as strict as West Virginia’s. For licensure, holding WV Board certified clinical supervisor status as of July 1, 2027 can substitute for the master’s degree.

New license needed to counsel

You must be licensed or certified to practice alcohol and drug counseling in West Virginia, unless an exemption applies. You cannot run a private practice unless you are licensed, or you are certified and work under a licensed supervisor. Certification requires 300 supervised training hours, three years of supervised work (a master’s can replace one year) or an approved unpaid internship, 360 hours of approved education with at least 240 focused on counseling, and passing the exam. The state does not issue an initial license unless you meet all requirements.

Protected titles and discipline rules

Only people licensed or certified under this law may use titles like “alcohol and drug counselor” and similar names. The commissioner can deny, suspend, revoke, reinstate, or limit a license when conduct threatens public health or safety, and must set formal procedures for these actions.

Who is exempt from credential

People already licensed in WV in medicine, psychology, marital and family therapy, clinical social work, professional counseling, nursing, or similar fields do not need the new credential for work inside their scope. Student interns or trainees in accredited programs may practice under supervision using an intern or trainee title. Paid counselors at licensed behavioral health centers are exempt for that center work. Unpaid participants or workers in uncompensated self‑help groups (like 12‑step groups) are also exempt. State‑employed rehabilitation counselors acting as alcohol and drug counselors on July 1, 2027 are exempt while serving in that role.

Rules, fees, and 2027 rollout

The Department of Human Services writes rules for licensing, exams, education and supervision, passing grades, renewals, ethics, discipline, reinstatement, and sets the fee schedule. The Bureau for Behavioral Health must be ready to run the new system by July 1, 2027. Fees are required, but the law does not list dollar amounts.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Helton

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Robbie Morris

    Republican • Senate

  • Chris Rose

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 162 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 674)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/13/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 589)

Yes: 95 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 345)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/19/2026

    3/19/2026Senate

  3. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 674)

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  6. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

  7. To Governor 3/19/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  10. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/13/2026House

  11. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026House

  12. Passed House (Roll No. 589)

    3/13/2026House

  13. Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/13/2026House

  14. Communicated to Senate

    3/13/2026House

  15. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  16. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026House

  17. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  18. Amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  19. Amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  20. Amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  21. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  22. With amendment, do pass

    3/11/2026House

  23. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026House

  24. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026House

  25. House received Senate message

    3/5/2026House

Bill Text

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