Bill > HB5378

This bill modifies existing West Virginia law regarding mandatory childhood immunizations for school and child care center admission, by allowing for exemptions based on religious and philosophical objections, though the provided text focuses on medical exemptions. Specifically, it changes the requirement for a certificate from the commissioner to a written statement from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner indicating that a specific immunization may be detrimental to a child's health or is not appropriate. This change also removes previous provisions for medical exemptions granted by the commissioner and instead establishes that healthcare providers issuing such statements are protected from disciplinary action and civil liability unless their actions involve gross negligence or willful misconduct. Furthermore, healthcare providers must report the number of children granted exemptions to the state health office, which will then report this information annually to the Joint Committee on Health. The bill also clarifies that children with exemptions cannot be prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities or school-based events and allows for injunctive relief against public schools that violate these provisions. The term "State Health Officer" replaces "commissioner" in certain contexts, referring to the head of the state's health department.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5378&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill