WEST VIRGINIA CODE
WVC 16 - 3 - 8
§16-3-8. Inflammation of the eyes of the newborn -- Duty of those
assisting at childbirth to report cases; treatment.
It shall be the duty of any physician, surgeon,
obstetrician, midwife, nurse, maternity home or hospital of any
nature, parent, relative and persons attendant on or assisting in
any way whatsoever any infant, or the mother of any infant, at
childbirth, or at any time within two weeks after childbirth,
knowing that the condition described in the preceding section
exists, immediately to report such fact in writing to the local
health officer of the county or municipality within which the
infant or the mother of any infant may reside. In the event of
there being no health officer in such county or municipality, the
nurse or midwife in attendance shall immediately report the
condition to some qualified practitioner of medicine and
thereupon withdraw from the case except as she may act under the
physician's instructions. On receipt of such report, the health
officer, or the physician notified by a midwife where no health
officer exists, shall immediately give to the parents or persons
having charge of such infant a warning of the dangers to the eye,
or eyes, of said infant, and shall for indigent cases provide the
necessary treatment at the expense of said county or
municipality.
Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session