West Virginia Code Chapter 16. Public Health § 16-61-2. Definitions

As used in this article:

“Palliative care” means an interdisciplinary team-based model of care process designed to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for patients and families facing serious, though not necessarily terminal, illness. The care should be available at any stage of illness from birth to advanced age and may be offered simultaneously with disease modifying interventions, including attempts for cure or remission.

“Interdisciplinary team” means a care team comprised of medical and nonmedical disciplines with specialty training or certification in palliative care and may include volunteers and lay workers. This team includes, at a minimum, the following: (1) A physician; (2) an advanced practice registered nurse or a registered nurse; (3) a social worker; and may include (4) a member of the clergy; (5) a counselor; and (6) a consulting pharmacist.