West Virginia Committee Tabled SB 987
Lawmakers paused new certification rules for state drug and alcohol counselors amid concerns over training requirements.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The West Virginia Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee tabled SB 987 on October 12, 2026. The bill aims to introduce new training requirements for addiction and prevention professionals across the state.
Why it matters
Lawmakers cited concerns that the proposed requirements could lead to counselor discrimination and negatively impact professional retention in the state. The committee is specifically reviewing potential training hour duplication and the limited availability of in-state programs.
SB 987 proposes updated training requirements for state drug and alcohol counselor certification. The bill includes an annual renewal fee of $125 for professionals managed by the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals.
The players
West Virginia Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee
This is a state legislative body tasked with reviewing administrative rules and regulations to ensure they align with legislative intent.
West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals
This is a 501(c)3 organization responsible for setting and maintaining standards for addiction and prevention counselors.
The details
During the review in Charleston, lawmakers scrutinized administrative rules for potential discrepancies. The committee is seeking to balance necessary professional standards with the practical workforce needs of regions like the Eastern Panhandle.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: The legislative committee met to review the rule changes.
Health Landscape
The move to pause SB 987 reflects a broader tension in state health policy between maintaining high standards for clinical care and ensuring an adequate supply of addiction counselors. This delay mirrors similar challenges in other states struggling to balance professional requirements with workforce retention.
The delay in enacting these training requirements means that current certification processes for addiction counselors remain unchanged for now. Patients seeking care should not experience interruptions in service while the legislature negotiates these professional standards.
The takeaway
The pause in implementation provides a window for stakeholders to refine training requirements that support both professional excellence and workforce availability. Professionals should monitor upcoming legislative sessions for updates on potential certification mandates.
What happens next
The committee plans to reconsider the bill at its next meeting following ongoing discussions between lawmakers and the certification board.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's approach to care standards by visiting the West Virginia Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOWK 13 Huntington.
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