U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) on May 7 introduced bipartisan legislation that would limit the liability of medical professionals who volunteer to provide health care services in response to a declared disaster.
“In the wake of natural disasters, medical professionals have stepped up to the plate to provide much needed care to victims,” Sen. Blackburn said this week. “We must protect these volunteers from frivolous legal action that could deter their participation.”
Sen. Cassidy on Tuesday sponsored the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2019, S. 1350, with original cosponsors Sens. Blackburn and Wicker, who were joined by several other cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Angus King (I-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).
If enacted, S. 1350 would amend the Public Health Service Act to limit liability under federal or state laws for any harm caused by a volunteering healthcare professional who decides to provide services during a declared disaster, according to the bill’s text.
“Volunteers are crucial to help families begin recovery after disaster,” said Sen. Cassidy, a licensed medical doctor. “The Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act provides medical professionals with needed legal protections while aiding disaster victims.”
Additionally, S. 1350 would apply only to licensed medical providers and would not protect against litigation if alleged harm occurred in a deliberate or criminal manner or if “the health care professional rendered the health care services under the influence … of alcohol or an intoxicating drug,” according to the text of the bill.
S. 1350 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.