Healthcare

SB 677 establishes a new licensing framework for genetic counselors in West Virginia, requiring a valid license to practice and mandating criminal background checks for all applicants. It prohibits genetic counselors from representing themselves as licensed physicians, with violations punishable by up to two years in prison or a $2,000 fine. The bill also sets continuing education requirements, defines the scope of practice for genetic counselors, and creates separate disciplinary procedures under the West Virginia Board of Medicine.

SB 954 prohibits health insurers in West Virginia from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or canceling sickness, disability, or long-term care insurance policies solely because someone is a living organ donor. The bill applies to policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2026, and specifically bans insurers from: (1) refusing coverage based on donor status, (2) requiring donors to stop donating to maintain coverage, or (3) otherwise discriminating against donors in policy terms. It directly affects living organ donors and insurers regulated under West Virginia's health insurance laws. The legislation ensures donors cannot face financial penalties for their altruistic act through their health insurance.

SB 580 updates West Virginia's licensing rules for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, directly affecting radiologic technologists, MRI technicians, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologists. Key changes include allowing radiation therapists to earn licensure through direct degree programs (without prior radiography training), restricting denial of licensure to only healthcare-related criminal convictions, and aligning their scope of practice with national standards. The bill also eliminates six-month temporary licenses, transfers oversight of radiologist assistants from the Board of Medicine to the Medical Imaging Board, and adds new definitions to clarify regulations. These updates aim to modernize licensing requirements while maintaining public safety standards.

SB 795 allows parents, guardians, or custodians to pay for an independent medical evaluation of their child when the child is in temporary protective custody due to emergency medical needs. This bill explicitly clarifies that parents cannot be denied the right to obtain such an evaluation at their own expense, addressing a gap in current law. It directly affects families whose children are held in protective custody for medical reasons, ensuring they can seek a second medical opinion if desired. The key provision amends existing law to state this right clearly, without changing custody decisions or medical treatment requirements.

This bill prohibits the distribution or prescription of "abortifacients" (drugs intended to cause abortion) within West Virginia. It directly affects licensed medical professionals (like doctors and pharmacists) and anyone distributing such drugs, with violations carrying felony penalties (3-10 years imprisonment) for non-professionals and potential license revocation for medical providers. Key provisions include banning the mailing, sale, or dissemination of abortifacients without a valid prescription, requiring medical professionals to attest to compliance, and creating a civil lawsuit option for affected parties. The law includes exceptions for medical emergencies - defined as situations where an abortion is necessary to prevent serious risk of death or life-threatening impairment to the patient.

This bill extends the expiration date of West Virginia's Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council, preventing it from sunsetting (ending) as originally scheduled. The council, composed of voting members including people with dementia, caregivers, healthcare providers, and advocacy representatives, reviews state dementia care services, assesses healthcare system capacity, and makes recommendations on policies and resources. The extension maintains the existing council structure and responsibilities without altering its duties or creating new policies. It directly affects the council's continued operation to address dementia care needs across the state. (100 words)