Relating to authorizing the Department of Human Services to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the Recovery Residence Certification and Accreditation Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2252 empowers West Virginia's Department of Human Services to set standards for certifying recovery residences, enhancing support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

To House Health and Human Resources

#legislature--rulemaking

Bill Information

Bill Number: HB 2252

Title: Relating to authorizing the Department of Human Services to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the Recovery Residence Certification and Accreditation Program

Status: To House Health and Human Resources

Introduced: January 29, 2025

Classification: Bill

Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2252 aims to authorize the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DHS) to create and implement a legislative rule concerning the Recovery Residence Certification and Accreditation Program. This program is designed to establish standards for recovery residences, which provide supportive housing for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

Key Provisions

Legislative Rule Authorization: The bill specifically authorizes the DHS to promulgate a rule that outlines the certification and accreditation process for recovery residences.

Compliance with Legislative Review: The rule must comply with the objections raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, ensuring that it meets state legislative standards.

Reference to Previous Filings: The bill references a legislative rule that was filed in the State Register on September 13, 2024, and subsequently modified and refiled on November 26, 2024.

Impact

Target Audience: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders, as well as the operators of recovery residences who will need to adhere to the new certification and accreditation standards.

Quality Assurance: By establishing a formal certification and accreditation process, the bill aims to enhance the quality and accountability of recovery residences, ultimately improving outcomes for residents.

Legislative Timeline

January 29, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.

February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.

February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Health and Human Resources Committee.

March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.

March 12, 2025: Passed the Executive Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation (012-000-000).

March 27, 2025: Held on the calendar for second reading.

April 11, 2025: Third reading deadline extended to May 31, 2025.

May 31, 2025: Re-referred to the Rules Committee under Rule 19(a).

Conclusion

House Bill 2252 represents a significant step towards improving the standards and accountability of recovery residences in West Virginia. By empowering the Department of Human Services to establish a formal certification and accreditation process, the bill seeks to ensure that individuals in recovery have access to safe and supportive housing environments.

Bill