§ 27-6A-1 — Qualified forensic evaluator; qualified forensic psychiatrist; qualified forensic psychologist; definitions and requirements

(a) For purposes of this article:

(1) "Competency restoration" means the treatment or education process for attempting to restore a criminal defendant’s ability to consult with his or her attorney with a reasonable degree of rational understanding, including a rational and factual understanding of the court proceedings and charges against the person. Competency restoration services may be provided in a jail-based, outpatient, or inpatient setting as may be ordered by the court.

(2) "Competency to stand trial" means the ability of a criminal defendant to consult with his or her attorney with a reasonable degree of rational understanding, including a rational and factual understanding of the procedure and charges against him or her.

(3) "Court" or "court of record" means the circuit court with jurisdiction over the charge or charges against the defendant or acquittee.

(4) "Department" means the Department of Health Facilities.

(5) A "qualified forensic evaluator" is either a qualified forensic psychiatrist or a qualified forensic psychologist as defined in this section.

(6) A "qualified forensic psychiatrist" is:

(A) A psychiatrist licensed under the laws in this state to practice medicine who has completed post-graduate education in psychiatry in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education; and

(B) Board-eligible or board-certified in forensic psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or actively enrolled in good standing in a West Virginia training program accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education to make the evaluator eligible for board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in forensic psychiatry or has two years of experience in completing court-ordered forensic criminal evaluations, including having been qualified as an expert witness by a West Virginia circuit court.

(7) A "qualified forensic psychologist" is:

(A) A licensed psychologist licensed under the laws of this state to practice psychology; and

(B) Board-eligible or board-certified in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology or actively enrolled in good standing in a West Virginia training program approved by the American Board of Forensic Psychology to make the evaluator eligible for board certification in forensic psychology or has at least two years of experience in performing court-ordered forensic criminal evaluations, including having been qualified as an expert witness by a West Virginia circuit court.

(b) (A) qualified forensic evaluator may not perform a forensic evaluation on an individual under §27-1-1et seq. of this code if the qualified forensic evaluator has been the individual’s treating psychologist or psychiatrist within one year prior to any evaluation order.

Legislative History

2024 Reg. Sess., HB4274; 2021 Reg. Sess., SB702; 2007 Reg. Sess., SB117; 1983 Reg. Sess., HB1540; 1977 Reg. Sess., SB585; 1975 Reg. Sess., HB1316; 1974 Reg. Sess., HB910; 1957 Reg. Sess., HB146