HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 93

(By Delegate Morgan, Martin, Argento, Beach, Caputo, Eldridge, =atfield, Higgins, Hutchins, Palumbo, D. Poling, Cowles, C. Miller, Porter, Rowan, =Schoen )

(Originating in the Committee on Government =rganization;

March 3, 2008)

Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and =inance authorize a study of the advisability and feasibility of the creation =f a new professional licensure category of marriage and family therapy, =ncluding whether this new licensure category should be coordinated with the =egulation of counselors or social workers.

Whereas, There is a =hortage of professional behavioral health care services in West Virginia; =nd,
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 =or counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other health care =roviders who now provide marriage and family therapy services; and,
Whereas, Many =tates have one licensing board regulating the practice of counseling, social =ork, and marriage and family therapy services, and this model should be examined =y the Legislature and Legislative Auditor for application in this state; =herefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and =inance to authorize a study of the advisability and feasibility of the creation of = new professional licensure category of marriage and family therapy, =ncluding whether this new licensure category should be coordinated with the =egulation of counselors or social workers; and be it
Further Resolved, =hat the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Regular Session =f the Legislature, 2009, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, =ogether with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its =ecommendations and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative expenses =ecessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary =egislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on =overnment and Finance.