Below are state statutes relating to minor consent for this state; however, there may be additional statutes NVIC is unaware of, and readers may need to do additional research and/or obtain additional legal advice. NVIC doesn't provide legal advice and provides the below for informational purposes only. NVIC provides additional resource information in our FAQ on Vaccination in School-Based Health Clinics, should readers have concerns about the vaccination of their child without parental knowledge or consent this school setting.
West Virginia Code
Article 1. Common Law.
Chapter 16 Public Health.
Article 4. Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any licensed physician may examine, diagnose, or treat any minor with his or her consent for any venereal disease without the knowledge or consent of the minor's parent or guardian. The physician shall not incur any civil or criminal liability in connection therewith except for negligence or wilful injury.
West Virginia Code
Article 2. Legal Holidays, Speical Memorial Days; Constructions of Statutes; Definitions.
§2-2-10. Rules for construction of statutes.
(a) The following terms are defined for this code:
(7) "minor" mean persons under the age of 18 years;
West Virginia Code
Article 48. Domestic Relations.
Chapter 31. UNIFORM DEPLOYED PARENTS CUSTODY AND VISITATION ACT.
In this article:
(1) “Adult” means an individual who has attained eighteen years of age or an emancipated minor.
(2) “Caretaking authority” means the right to live with and care for a child on a day-to-day basis. The term includes physical custody, parenting time, right to access, and visitation.
(3) “Child” means:
(A) An unemancipated individual who has not attained eighteen years of age; or
(B) An adult son or daughter by birth or adoption, or under law of this state other than this article, who is the subject of a court order concerning custodial responsibility.
(7) “Decision-making authority” means the power to make important decisions regarding a child, including decisions regarding the child’s education, religious training, health care, extracurricular activities, and travel. The term does not include the power to make decisions that necessarily accompany a grant of caretaking authority.
