WEST VIRGINIA CODE
WVC 16 - 3 - 10
§16-3-10. Inflammation of eyes of newborn -- Use of an
appropriate medication as prophylactic.
It shall be unlawful for any physician, nurse-midwife or
midwife, practicing midwifery, or other health care professional
to neglect or otherwise fail to instill or have instilled,
immediately upon its birth, in the eyes of the newborn babe, the
contents of a single-use tube of an ophthalmic ointment
containing one percent tetracycline or one half of one percent
erythromycin or the equivalent dosage of such medications or
other appropriate medication approved by the director for
prevention of inflammation of the eyes of the newborn. Every
physician, nurse-midwife or midwife or other health care
professional shall, in making a report of a birth, state the name
of the appropriate medication which was instilled into the eyes
of said infant. The director shall establish a list of
appropriate medications for prevention of inflammation of the
eyes of the newborn. The list shall be kept current and
distributed to appropriate health care facilities and such other
sources as the director may determine to be necessary.
Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session