West Virginia legislature is reviewing a bill that would allow private hospitals to employ their own police forces, WV Public Broadcasting reports.
Many hospitals currently employ security officers, but hiring police would provide an extra layer of protection some say is needed, according to the report. The police officers can make arrests and do more to address crime than security officers.
Critics say the move could discourage people from seeking care, while proponents say it frees up law enforcement from responding to issues at hospitals, according to the report.
The bill is currently making its way through the West Virginia House of Representatives.
Read the full story here.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
Purdue Pharma reportedly unnamed opioid company in Practice Fusion kickback probe
Tennessee physician settles allegations of inflating NP charges
Harvard chem chief charged in relation to Chinese research theft