§16A-5-2.  Caregivers.

(a)  Requirements. —

(1)  If the patient designates a caregiver, the application shall include the name, address and date of birth of the caregiver, and other individual identifying information required by the bureau and the following:

(A)  Federal and state criminal history record information as set forth in subsection (b) of this section.

(B)  If the caregiver has an identification card for the caregiver or another patient, the expiration date of the identification card.

(C)  Other information required by the bureau.

(2)  The application shall be accompanied by a fee of $50. The bureau may waive or reduce the fee in cases of demonstrated financial hardship.

(3)  The bureau may require additional information for the application.

(4)  The application shall be signed and dated by the applicant.

(b)  Criminal history. — A caregiver shall submit fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record checks, and the West Virginia State Police or its authorized agent shall submit the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of verifying the identity of the applicant and obtaining a current record of any criminal arrests and convictions. Any criminal history record information relating to a caregiver obtained under this section by the bureau may be interpreted and used by the bureau only to determine the applicant’s character, fitness and suitability to serve as a caregiver under this act. The bureau shall also review the prescription drug monitoring program relating to the caregiver. The bureau shall deny the application of a caregiver who has been convicted of a criminal offense that occurred within the past five years relating to the felony sale or possession of drugs, narcotics or controlled substances, or conspiracy thereof. The bureau may deny an application if the applicant has a history of drug abuse or of diverting controlled substances or illegal drugs.