§30-4A-1. Legislative findings and declaration of purpose.
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that dentists are increasingly administering anesthesia in their offices on an out-patient basis; that the administration of anesthesia carries with it an inherent risk and danger to the patient; that, however, the administration of anesthesia on an out-patient basis by dentists is necessary and for the good of the public; but that because of the inherent dangers in the administration of, it is necessary to insure that the persons administering and supervising such anesthesia are competent and trained in the techniques; that it is in the best interests of the public and the dentists of West Virginia to prohibit dentists from administering or supervising the administration of anesthesia unless those dentists meet certain minimal training and competency standards in the administration and supervision of anesthesia; and that requiring a dentist to obtain a special certificate or permit before he or she can administer or supervise anesthesia is the best method to preserve the use of anesthesia by dentists on out-patients and, at the same time, ensure that such administration and supervision is performed by competent dentists trained in the use of such techniques.

Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session