W. Va. Code § 16-54-2
As used in this article:
"Appropriate" means consistent with applicable legal, health, and professional standards; the patient's clinical and other circumstances; and the patient's reasonably known wishes and beliefs.
"Medical care" means services provided, requested, or supervised by a physician or advanced practice nurse.
"Palliative care" means patient and family centered medical care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering caused by serious illness throughout the continuum of illness, involves addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, and facilitates patient autonomy, access to information, and choice.
"Serious Illness" means any medical illness or physical injury or condition that substantially impacts quality of life for more than a short time.
W. Va. Code § 16-54-2