On April 7, 2025, Governor Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 458 into law, advancing licensure portability in West Virginia. This legislation allows professionals licensed in other states to practice in West Virginia, supporting the state’s efforts to attract qualified professionals and reduce bureaucratic barriers, which contributes to enhancing residents' access to essential services.
While West Virginia was not a part of this year's Access MFTs initiative, its passage aligns with the broader goals of the initiative, which advocates for the expansion of licensure portability for MFTs. SB 458 is a significant step in the right direction, reflecting a growing trend across the country to make it easier for licensed professionals, including MFTs, to move across state lines and provide critical services without unnecessary delays. This supports our vision for greater access to mental health care, especially in regions where there is a shortage of qualified professionals.