W. Va. Code § 49-12-2: Legislative findings and definition.

(a) The Legislature finds that it is a fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, care, and medical care of their minor children. The Legislature further finds that important information relating to a minor child should not be withheld, either inadvertently or purposefully, from his or her parent, including information relating to the minor child’s health, well-being, and education, while the minor child is in the custody of the school district.

(b) For purposes of this article, the term “parent” means a person who has legal custody of a minor child as a natural or adoptive parent or a legal guardian.