This bill amends the Code of West Virginia, specifically section 16-3-1, to address the authority of the State Director of Health and the State Board of Health in relation to communicable and infectious diseases. The bill empowers the State Director of Health to establish quarantine measures and enforce regulations to control the spread of diseases, including the ability to inspect private properties and manage epidemic conditions. It also stipulates that any expenses incurred during the management of such conditions will be the responsibility of the respective county or municipality.

Importantly, the bill introduces new provisions that explicitly state that no law may require or coerce individuals to receive or use a medical product. It further ensures that individuals will not face penalties or lose benefits for refusing to receive a medical product or for not disclosing whether they have used one. This addition aims to protect individual rights concerning medical choices in the context of public health regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-3-1