The bill seeks to amend and update the Code of West Virginia concerning the licensing and regulation of medical professionals, particularly focusing on genetic counseling. It introduces criminal background checks for applicants, establishes a Genetic Counselors Practice Act, and defines key terms related to medical practice. The West Virginia Board of Medicine is granted enhanced powers, including the ability to call emergency meetings, maintain a separate complaint file for licensees, and impose penalties for misrepresentation of licensure status by genetic counselors. The bill also outlines specific licensure requirements for various medical fields, including administrative medicine and podiatry, while repealing outdated provisions related to temporary licensure and radiologist assistants.

Significant changes include the introduction of new licensing frameworks for genetic counselors, which mandates that individuals must hold a valid license to practice. The bill clarifies the eligibility criteria for board members, establishes term limits, and allows for electronic signatures on licenses. It also creates special license types for unique circumstances, such as a medical school faculty license, and emphasizes the board's authority to regulate these licenses. Additionally, the bill outlines the disciplinary procedures for genetic counselors, including grounds for license denial and penalties for violations, while ensuring the confidentiality of investigation information. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the regulatory framework for medical practice in West Virginia, ensuring public safety and professional accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-1D-1, 30-3-4, 30-3-5, 30-3-6, 30-3-7, 30-3-8, 30-3-9, 30-3-10, 30-3-11, 30-3-11a, 30-3-12, 30-3-13, 30-3-13a, 30-3-15, 30-3-16, 30-3-17, 30-3-18, 30-3-10b, 30-3-21, 30-3-22, 30-3H-1, 30-3H-2, 30-3H-3, 30-3H-4, 30-3H-5, 30-3H-6, 30-3H-7, 30-3H-8, 30-3H-9, 30-3H-10, 30-3H-11, 30-3H-12, 30-3-7a, 30-3-11b, 30-3-11c