Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has been recognized by the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) for its policy strategies presented at the State-Federal Respite Summit. The focus was on West Virginia’s partnership with managed care organizations (MCOs) and universities to train the workforce supporting children and adults with serious emotional disorders.

Earlier this year, NASHP hosted 16 state teams and federal officials from eight agencies in Washington, DC, for a peer-to-peer learning exchange on innovative models, strategies, and policies aimed at increasing access to high-quality respite care services. These innovations addressed themes such as awareness and outreach, workforce education and strengthening, serving diverse populations, payment policy improvements, and cross-agency collaboration.

“As we strive to enhance our workforce infrastructure, it’s essential to intentionally address the needs of our diverse population,” said Cindy Beane, DoHS Bureau for Medical Services Commissioner. “Our Children with Serious Emotional Disorders Waiver program exemplifies our commitment to supporting West Virginia caregivers through innovative investments.”

Through the Medicaid 1915(c) Children with Serious Emotional Disorders Waiver (CSEDW) program, DoHS administers both in-home and out-of-home respite care for caregivers of children ages three to 21 with serious mental, behavioral, or emotional health conditions. The partnership between DoHS’s Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) and MCO partner Aetna includes a focus on workforce forecasting and provider network expansion. Recently, West Virginia collaborated with West Virginia University to develop person-centered, trauma-informed care training both in-person and online for West Virginia home and community-based service (HCBS) direct service providers.

NASHP’s Respite Summit Paper was disseminated to all states outlining the repository of innovations shared at the Summit for other states to replicate. NASHP is a nonpartisan organization committed to developing and advancing state health policy innovations and solutions.

In addition to West Virginia, other states highlighted during the Summit included Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin.

To view and apply for career opportunities in the behavioral health field visit dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx.