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Bill

HB 4287

Relating to authorizing the Board of Examiners in Counseling to promulgate a legislative rule relating to licensed professional counselor license renewal and continuing professional education requirements.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

Authorizes West Virginia's counseling board to establish rules for LPC license renewal and continuing education requirements through administrative procedure rather than statute.

To House Judiciary
#legislature--rulemaking
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4287

Legislative bill overview

HB 4287 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Examiners in Counseling to create administrative rules governing the renewal process and continuing professional education (CPE) requirements for licensed professional counselors (LPCs). The bill delegates rule-making authority to the board rather than establishing these requirements directly in statute.

Why is this important

This bill affects thousands of practicing counselors in West Virginia by determining how they maintain their licenses and what training they must complete. The specific CPE requirements and renewal processes directly impact counselors' compliance costs, time commitments, and ability to practice, while also influencing the quality and consistency of mental health services available to residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory flexibility vs. legislative oversight: Delegating rule-making authority to a board allows for easier updates but reduces direct legislative control; future boards could change requirements without new legislation
  • CPE burden on practitioners: More stringent or costly continuing education mandates could burden smaller practices or rural counselors differently than larger organizations
  • Transparency concerns: Administrative rules may receive less public scrutiny than statutory requirements, potentially limiting input from counselors and consumers during the rule-making process

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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