West Virginia House Bill HB2820

West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/25
• Refer: 2/24/25

Caption

To allow patients to refuse residents and medical students from observing or performing medical care on patients

Summary

House Bill 2820 would add a new section to the West Virginia Medical Practice Act to give patients the right to refuse observation or participation in their medical care by residents and medical students. The bill applies to medical procedures and other care provided in hospitals, and it directs hospitals to adopt policies ensuring patients are informed of this right. In practical terms, the measure would require hospitals to notify patients that they may decline having residents or medical students observe or perform their care. It does not appear to create a new licensing or disciplinary framework; instead, it establishes a patient-rights notice and refusal requirement within hospital policy.

Impact

The bill would amend Chapter 30, Article 3 of the West Virginia Code by adding §30-3-21 to the West Virginia Medical Practice Act. Its main legal effect is to create an express patient right to refuse observation or participation by residents and medical students during medical procedures in hospitals, and to require hospitals to implement policies informing patients of that right. The bill would affect hospitals, physicians, residency training programs, medical students, and patients receiving care in hospital settings.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive of patient autonomy and informed consent. The bill’s stated purpose suggests a consumer- and privacy-oriented approach rather than a controversial regulatory overhaul. No opposition or recorded concerns are available in the provided context.

Contention

The primary potential point of contention is the balance between patient privacy/autonomy and medical education or training needs. Hospitals, residency programs, and teaching physicians may be concerned that allowing patients to refuse observation or participation could limit clinical training opportunities or complicate staffing and supervision practices. On the other hand, patient advocates would likely support the bill as a way to strengthen consent and control over who is present during intimate or sensitive procedures.