Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 35, August 30, 2024
Section 191-1-3 - Purposes of the Board3.1. The purposes of the Board are to receive and consider applications for licensure of domestic violence programs, batterer intervention and prevention programs and monitored parenting and exchange programs; assess the need for domestic violence programs, batterer intervention and prevention programs and monitored parenting and exchange programs, including the use of licensure pre-application and application processes; conduct licensure renewal reviews of domestic violence programs, batterer intervention and prevention programs and monitored parenting and exchange programs, that will ensure the safety, well-being and health of the programs' participants and staff; allocate the Family Protection Fund and direct the Department of Health and Human Resources to distribute funds to licensed domestic violence programs in accordance with a formula determined by the board; submit an annual report on the status of licensed programs to the Governor and the Legislature's Joint Committee on Government and Finance; and conduct hearings as necessary. 3.2.b. All meetings will be publicly announced in accordance with W. Va. Code § 6-9A-3 with notice to the Secretary of State's Office. That notice shall include the time, place and purpose of the meeting. The Board shall, in accordance with state law, hold open meetings except when an executive session is necessary for the discussion of sensitive issues regarding the issuance, denial- or suspension of a license and Board personnel. This exception will be effective only with a consensus of the Board members present. If an emergency session is necessary, the Board shall file a notice with the Secretary of State's Office any time prior to the meeting. Such notice shall state the time, place and purpose of the meeting.3.2.c. Meetings may be held with a majority of the Board members present. 3.2.d. Officers will include a chair, a vice-chair, and a secretary/treasurer who will be selected on an annual basis. Terms of office will begin on July 1 of each year and will end the following June 30. Selection shall be made by a majority of the constituent membership.3.2.e. In the absence of the chair, the vice-chair or another member designated by the chair may conduct meetings of the Board.3.2.f. The chair will have the following responsibilities and duties. (1) call and conduct all meetings; (2) participate in planning agendas for meetings; (3) speak as the official representative of the Board;(4) designate members of the board or members of the staff to appear on the board's behalf before the Legislature and other forums; and (4) supervise the duties of the staff of the Board. 3.2.g. The vice-chair will assume any or all of the responsibilities and duties of the chair in the chair's absence, unless the chair designates a responsibility or duty to another member.3.2.h. The Board shall hire or contract staff to complete the Board's work as necessary. Funds will be allocated for this purpose from the fifteen percent (15%) of funds allowed by law for the cost of administering provisions of § 48-26-401(5).3.2.i. Expenses incurred by Board members while pursuing the work of the Board shall be reimbursed by the funds designated for administrative activities. Board members shall, at all times, comply with the most current State of West Virginia travel regulations. The Board shall supply its members and staff with appropriate forms to request reimbursement. The designated members of the Board who serve by virtue of their positions shall request reimbursement for expenses through their employing agency or appointing committee.3.2.j. The Board may advise the Secretary of the Department of Human Services and the chair of the Governor's Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction on matters of concern relative to his or her responsibilities under W. Va. Code §§ 48-26-101 et seq. and the Board may delegate to the Secretary such powers and duties of the Board as the Board may deem appropriate to delegate, including, but not limited to, the authority to approve, disapprove, revoke or suspend licenses.