This bill proposes the addition of a new article to the Code of West Virginia, specifically aimed at establishing a limitation of civil liability for academic medical centers and teaching hospitals affiliated with medical and dental schools. The bill outlines the findings and declarations of purpose, emphasizing the critical shortages of healthcare providers in West Virginia and the importance of training and retaining these professionals within the state. It recognizes the role of academic medical centers and teaching hospitals in providing essential clinical training and supporting healthcare education, while also asserting the need to limit their civil liability to promote these objectives.

Key provisions of the bill include definitions of "academic medical center" and "teaching hospital," as well as requirements for maintaining liability insurance of at least $2 million per occurrence. The liability of these institutions for claims arising from alleged acts or omissions is capped at the limits of their insurance. The bill also specifies that these provisions apply to causes of action filed against academic medical centers and teaching hospitals on or after May 1, 2025, and clarifies that the new article does not waive any existing immunities or protections under other laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-7L-1, 55-7L-2, 55-7L-3, 55-7L-4, 55-7L-5