Changes to West Virginia Code 27-6a

Important changes have been made to WV Code 27-6A (Mentally Ill Persons-Commitment of Persons Charged or Convicted of a Crime).  These changes are a result of legislative passage of Senate Bill No. 117 (S.B. 117) and were effective July 9, 2007.  The following are some of the changes that affect the procurement, provision and payment of psychological evaluations:

• Expansion of expert opinion regarding Diminished Capacity and Risk Assessment.  In addition to Competency to Stand Trial and Criminal Responsibility, four questions may now be evaluated within WVC27-6A guidelines and paid for by DHHR.
• Qualifications for Psychologists and Psychiatrists have been developed by DHHR.  Only Qualified Forensic Evaluators will be allowed to provide evaluations.
• Only one evaluation by a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist is required. 
• Time frames have been established for evaluation completion. 
• A Fee Schedule has been developed by DHHR.

Clayman & Associates is prepared to meet these changes and provide you with the same well-researched, comprehensive evaluation of defendants as you have come to expect of us.  Our Staff of three qualified Forensic Psychologists offers over forty-five years of combined forensic experience.  For more information regarding changes made by S.B. 117, you can go to www.legis.state.wv.us select Bill Status.