The bill amends West Virginia Code 16B-3-19 to establish and clarify the authority and responsibilities of hospital police departments. It allows hospitals to create police departments and appoint qualified individuals as hospital police officers, who must meet specific certification requirements. The bill outlines the duties of these officers, including maintaining law and order on hospital premises and adjacent areas, and specifies that they may assist local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, it mandates that hospital police officers receive crisis management training within 180 days of employment.

Significantly, the bill introduces new legal language that provides certain immunities for hospitals with police departments, stating that they are immune from liability for losses resulting from civil disobedience, riots, insurrections, or rebellions. It also clarifies that hospital police officers are not subject to civil or criminal liability unless their actions fall outside the scope of their official duties or are conducted with malicious intent. The bill emphasizes that the establishment of a hospital police department is not mandatory for hospital governing boards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16B-3-19
Committee Substitute: 16B-3-19
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 16B-3-19
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 16B-3-19