Healthcare (Healthcare Workforce)

HB 4715 removes the requirement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in West Virginia to practice under direct physician supervision. The bill repeals sections §30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11 of the state code, which previously mandated supervision, and amends related provisions to allow these providers to practice independently. This change directly affects licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants who will no longer need a collaborating physician's oversight for their scope of practice. The bill focuses on updating regulatory language to eliminate supervision barriers, without altering prescribing rules or other practice parameters.

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.

HB 4316 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Physical Therapy to establish a specific rule (16 CSR 05) governing general practice standards for athletic trainers. This rule will directly affect athletic trainers by setting requirements for their licensure, scope of practice, and professional conduct within the state. The bill formally approves a previously modified rule that was reviewed and refiled after addressing concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee.

Senate Bill 42 (SB 42) allows licensed pharmacists in West Virginia to sell ivermectin for human use without a prescription. It requires pharmacists to provide the FDA-approved patient information sheet at the time of sale and eliminates the need for consultation. The bill protects pharmacists from liability in civil, criminal, or disciplinary actions if they follow the law in good faith, and also shields healthcare providers from disciplinary action for recommending ivermectin within their scope of practice. This directly affects pharmacists (who gain new dispensing authority) and patients (who can purchase ivermectin without a prescription). The law does not change ivermectin's FDA-approved uses or medical guidelines.

HB 4306 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine to establish a rule (24 CSR 09) allowing osteopathic physicians to obtain temporary practice permits during declared states of emergency or preparedness. This rule would directly affect osteopathic doctors by enabling them to provide care without meeting all standard licensing requirements during crises. The bill formalizes a rule previously filed in the State Register on March 27, 2025, creating a streamlined process for emergency permits. The key mechanism is the authorization of this specific rule to address healthcare workforce gaps during emergencies.

HB 4505 requires every West Virginia county school board to employ at least one full-time school nurse at each public school serving kindergarten through seventh grade. The requirement applies for every 1,500 students enrolled (or major fraction thereof), with counties able to contract with public health departments for equivalent services if approved. County boards may apply for state funds to cover costs exceeding the basic nurse requirement, particularly for students with specialized health needs. The bill also mandates that nurses be licensed registered professionals and outlines training standards for school employees who may assist with certain health procedures under supervision.