2011 West Virginia Code
CHAPTER 25. DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS
ARTICLE 1. ORGANIZATION, INSTITUTIONS AND CORRECTIONS MANAGEMENT.
§25-1-16. Transfer of inmates of state institutions or facilities.

The State Commissioner of Corrections shall have authority to cause the transfer of any inmate from any correctional facility to any other state or federal institution or facility which is better equipped for the care or treatment of such inmate, or for other good cause or reason.

Whenever an inmate committed to the custody of corrections becomes mentally ill and his or her needs cannot be properly met within the correctional facility, the commissioner shall proceed in accordance with section thirty-one, article five, chapter twenty-eight of this code.

Whenever an inmate committed to the custody of corrections needs medical attention, other than mental health care, not available at said prison, the warden or administrator of said correctional facility shall immediately notify the Commissioner of Corrections who, after proper investigation, shall cause the transfer of said inmate to a facility properly equipped to render the medical attention necessary. Such inmate, while receiving treatment in said hospital, shall be under an appropriate level of supervision at all times and shall forthwith be returned to his or her correctional facility upon release from said facility

In providing or arranging for the necessary medical and other care and treatment of a pregnant inmate, the warden or administrator of the correctional facility shall take reasonable measures to assure that pregnant inmates will not be restrained after reaching the second trimester of pregnancy until the end of the pregnancy: Provided, That if the inmate, based upon her classification, discipline history, or other factors deemed relevant by the warden or administrator poses a threat of escape, or to the safety of herself, the public, staff or the fetus, the inmate may be restrained in a manner reasonably necessary: Provided, however, That prior to directing the application of restraints and where there is no threat to the safety of the inmate, the public, staff or the fetus, the warden, administrator or designee shall consult with an appropriate health care professional to assure that the manner of restraint will not pose an unreasonable risk of harm to the inmate or the fetus.