The Legislature hereby finds that the current level of scientific information regarding the chemicals, hazardous and noxious substances, biochemical agents, toxic household products and various combinations of them that lead to human poisoning with the added risks associated with criminal activity and clandestine terrorism involving toxic materials and agents requires the immediate availability of accurate information, resources and services to assess toxic threats to the public, prevent human poisoning and assist the general public, the police, firefighters, public health officials, emergency service workers, health care providers and other first responding emergency personnel.
It is the intent of the Legislature that poison control services be provided throughout the state on a consistent and prompt basis by any and all electronic means as well as by a toll free telephone network in order that illness or death that may result from the exposure of an individual to poisonous substances may be avoided. The Legislature also finds that the West Virginia Poison Center located at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Charleston Division and operated by West Virginia University meets these criteria and is hereby continued as the West Virginia Poison Center.
The Legislature further finds that effective poison control, not only saves lives and protects the public welfare but also reduces emergency medical costs and is considered an essential emergency service.