Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2023-12-15T15:57:23Z

Explore the details of House Bill 2819 Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/15/2023, 3:57 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2819

Bill 118 HR 2819, also known as the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023, aims to provide liability protections for healthcare professionals who volunteer their services during federally declared disasters or emergencies. The bill seeks to encourage more healthcare professionals to assist in times of crisis by shielding them from potential legal action.

Under this legislation, healthcare professionals who provide care in good faith during a disaster or emergency situation would be protected from civil liability as long as they are not grossly negligent or engage in willful misconduct. This protection would apply to both licensed and certified healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that healthcare professionals who volunteer their services are covered by liability insurance, either through their own policies or through federal programs such as the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. Overall, the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023 aims to remove barriers for healthcare professionals who want to assist in times of crisis and ensure that they are not deterred by the fear of legal repercussions. By providing liability protections and insurance coverage, the bill seeks to promote the well-being of communities during emergencies and disasters.

Congressional Summary of HR 2819

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023

This bill generally extends liability protection for harm caused by acts or omissions by volunteer health care professionals in the course of providing certain health care services during specified public-health or national emergencies or major disasters. However, the liability protection shall not apply if (1) the harm was caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed; or (2) the health care professional provided services under the influence of alcohol or an intoxicating drug.

Current Status of Bill HR 2819

Bill HR 2819 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 25, 2023. Bill HR 2819 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on April 25, 2023. Bill HR 2819's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of April 28, 2023