West Virginia Code § 27-1A-4

Powers and duties of the secretary
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In addition to the powers and duties set forth in any other provision of this code, the
Secretary of the Department of Health Facilities has the following powers and duties:
(a) To develop and maintain a state plan which sets forth needs of the state in the areas of
mental health and intellectual disability; goals and objectives for meeting those needs; plan
of operation for achieving the stated goals and objectives, including organizational structure;
and statement of requirements in personnel funds and authority for achieving the goals and
objectives.
(b) To appoint deputies and assistants to supervise the departmental programs, including
hospital and residential services, and such other assistants and employees as may be
necessary for the efficient operation of the department and all its programs.
(c) To promulgate rules clearly specifying the respective duties and responsibilities of
program directors and fiscal administrators, makinlg a clear distinction between the
respective functions of these officials. s
(d) To delegate to any of his or her appointiees, assistants or employees all powers and duties
vested in the commissioner, including the power to execute contracts and agreements in the
name of the department as provided in this article, but the commissioner shall be
responsible for the acts of such appointees, assistants and employees.
(e) To supervise and coordinate the operation of the state hospitals named in article two of
this chapter and any other state hospitals, centers or institutions hereafter created for the
care and treatment of the mentally ill or intellectually disabled, or both.
(f) To transferV a patient from any state hospital to any other state hospital or clinic under his
or her control and, by agreement with the state Division of Corrections, transfer a patient
from a state hospital to an institution, other than correctional, under the supervision of the
state Division of Corrections.
(g) To make periodic reports to the Governor and to the Legislature on the condition of the
state hospitals, centers and institutions or on other matters within his or her authority,
which shall include recommendations for improvement of any mental health facility and any
other matters affecting the mental health of the people of the state.
The Secretary of the Department of Health Facilities has all of the authority vested in the
divisions of the former Department of Mental Health, as hereinafter provided.
The Secretary of the Department of Health Facilities is authorized and empowered to accept
and use for the benefit of a state hospital, center or institution, or for any other mental
health purpose specified in this chapter, any gift or devise of any property or thing which
lawfully may be given. If such a gift or devise is for a specific purpose or for a particular
state hospital, center or institution, it shall be used as specified. Any gift or devise of any
property or thing which lawfully may be given and whatever profit may arise from its use or
investment shall be deposited in a special revenue fund with the State Treasurer, and shall
be used only as specified by the donor or donors.

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