Cassidy, Blackburn seek to protect medical volunteers in wake of natural disasters

Legal protections would be extended to medical professionals who volunteer to help in federally declared disasters under bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

Because federal and state efforts to encourage volunteering, specifically by health care professionals, can sometimes be unclear in the event of large-scale emergencies, the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act, S. 781/H.R. 1822, would provide licensed medical providers with consistent protection from lawsuits while volunteering during natural disasters.

“Volunteers were crucial in helping families begin recovering after last year’s flood,” Cassidy said. “Following Hurricane Katrina, medical professionals from across the U.S. came to Louisiana to help. The Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act provides medical professionals with legal protections that protects volunteers aiding disaster victims.”

The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 protects volunteers from nonprofit agencies and government entities from litigation and economic losses resulting from volunteerism, but the bill does not apply to independent volunteers or those that cross state lines to volunteer.

“In times of disaster our first responders and medical aides are often shorthanded as they attempt to help as many people in critical condition as possible,” Blackburn said in a written statement provided to The Ripon Advance.

“H.R. 1822 would help victims of natural disasters have access to critical on site medical attention and provide limited civil liability protection to licensed healthcare providers during a declared natural disaster. I look forward to seeing this legislation pass and enabling medical providers with as much access to assistance as possible during times of need.”

The measure would not protect doctors from litigation if damage was done in a deliberate or criminal manner.

Cassidy introduced the bill with U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-ME) in the Senate, while Blackburn was joined by U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-GA) in introducing companion legislation in the House.