02/11/2026
Action Requested – Support for SB 897 (Alcohol & Drug Counselor Licensure)
Dear Credentialed Professionals,
As you may be aware, Senate Bill 897 has been introduced during the 2026 legislative session. This bill establishes licensure standards for alcohol and drug counselors in West Virginia. This bill does not alter current requirements for AADC OR licensed individuals' scope of practice.

SB 897 represents an important step in strengthening our profession by creating clear qualifications, title protection, and professional accountability standards while protecting and grandfathering the current workforce. The bill does not mandate new reimbursement structures or create automatic fiscal obligations. Its focus is workforce competency, public protection, and alignment with national standards.
Your voice matters.
As professionals working directly with individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder, legislators value hearing from those on the front lines of care. We are asking you to consider sending a brief email to your local Senator and Delegate expressing support for SB 897.
Attached below is a simple template you may use. You are welcome to personalize it with your experience and perspective. Even a short message of support can make a meaningful difference.
To participate:
1. Identify your local Senator and Delegate at www.wvlegislature.gov
2. Copy the template letter provided
3. Personalize it with your name, credential, and community
4. Email it directly to your legislators
Professional, respectful outreach from credentialed individuals helps demonstrate broad support for strengthening our workforce and protecting the public.
We appreciate your continued commitment to excellence in addiction and prevention services across West Virginia.
Thank you for your consideration and for the work you do every day.
Sincerely,
[Name]
West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals
An IC&RC Affiliated Board
“Certification — A Professional Commitment”
Letter template:
Please Support SB 897 – Strengthening West Virginia’s SUD Workforce
Dear Senator/Delegate [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [credential – ADC/AADC/PRSS/etc.] practicing in [City/County], West Virginia. I am writing to respectfully ask for your support of Senate Bill 897.
As someone working directly with individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, I see every day how important qualified, well-trained professionals are to recovery outcomes. SB 897 establishes clear licensure standards for alcohol and drug counselors in West Virginia, strengthening professional accountability, workforce consistency, and public trust.
This bill does not create new reimbursement mandates or automatic state spending. Instead, it provides a structured framework that aligns West Virginia with national standards while protecting and grandfathering the current workforce.
For those of us already certified and serving our communities, this legislation represents recognition of the specialized training and competency required to effectively treat substance use disorders. It helps ensure that West Virginians receive care from professionals who meet established standards of education, ethics, and clinical practice.
SB 897 is about strengthening the workforce and protecting the public — not expanding bureaucracy or limiting other professions.
I respectfully ask for your support of SB 897 as it moves through the legislative process.
Thank you for your service to our state and for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Credential(s)]
[City/County]
[Phone or Email – opt
The official Web site of the West Virginia Legislature
