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Bill

HB 5498

Relating to liability protection of a multidisciplinary team member.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer and 2 co-sponsors

Bill extends liability protections to multidisciplinary team members acting in good faith, shielding them from civil/criminal liability during collaborative professional investigations.

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 5498

Legislative bill overview

HB 5498 proposes to extend liability protections to members of multidisciplinary teams in West Virginia, likely those involved in child welfare, abuse investigations, or similar collaborative efforts. The bill would shield these team members from civil or criminal liability when acting in good faith within their professional duties as part of an organized multidisciplinary response.

Why is this important

Multidisciplinary teams—which typically include social workers, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other professionals—coordinate responses to complex cases like child abuse or neglect. Liability protections encourage professionals to participate honestly and transparently in these collaborative settings without fear of personal lawsuits, potentially improving coordination and case outcomes. However, such protections must be carefully balanced against accountability for actual misconduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "good faith" protection: Defining what conduct qualifies for immunity could be unclear, potentially shielding negligent or unprofessional behavior from liability
  • Accountability concerns: Broad liability protections may reduce consequences for members who act inappropriately or outside their professional authority
  • Access to justice: Victims or families harmed by team member actions may lose their ability to seek civil remedies, even for intentional misconduct

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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