Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2021

Bill 117 HR 5239, also known as the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2021, aims to provide liability protections for healthcare professionals who volunteer their services during federally declared disasters or emergencies. The bill specifically targets healthcare professionals who are not already covered by existing liability protections, such as those provided by the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act.

Under this legislation, healthcare professionals who volunteer their services during a federally declared disaster or emergency would be protected from liability as long as they are providing care within the scope of their license or certification. This would include services such as administering vaccines, providing medical treatment, or offering mental health support.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that healthcare professionals are not held liable for any acts of gross negligence or willful misconduct while providing volunteer services. Additionally, the legislation would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process for healthcare professionals to report adverse events that occur during their volunteer service. Overall, the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2021 aims to encourage more healthcare professionals to volunteer their services during times of crisis by providing them with the necessary liability protections. This bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a way to strengthen the nation's response to emergencies and disasters.