This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the liability of hospital police departments and their officers. It introduces new provisions that grant immunity to hospitals with police departments from liability in cases of civil disobedience, riots, insurrections, or failures related to police protection. Additionally, it states that hospitals are not liable for failing to establish a police department or provide police protection. The bill also emphasizes the requirement for hospital police officers to receive training in crisis de-escalation techniques within 180 days of their employment.

The bill retains existing qualifications and responsibilities for hospital police officers, including the requirement to fulfill law enforcement certification and the authority to carry firearms while on duty. It outlines the conditions under which hospital police officers may be held liable, specifically excluding liability for actions taken within the scope of their employment unless they act with malicious intent or outside their official responsibilities. Overall, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines on the legal protections and responsibilities of hospital police officers and their employing hospitals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16B-3-19