Legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) on Tuesday would extend legal protections to medical professionals who volunteer their services during federal disasters.
The Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act, S. 3101, introduced by Cassidy and U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-ME), would provide limited, consistent protection from lawsuits to licensed medical professionals who volunteer in the event of disasters.
“When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, temporary hospitals were set up and medical professionals from across the U.S. came to treat patient,” Cassidy, a medical doctor, said. “We needed them, they saved lives. If another disaster occurs in Louisiana, or in any state, the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act ensures medical professionals have a certain level of legal protection — an asset when encouraging volunteers to come to a disaster area.”
The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 extended legal protections to those who volunteer through non-profit agencies and government entities during disasters — but the measure excluded medical professionals.
“In the wake of a disaster or crisis, it’s often doctors, nurses and health care professionals who are among the first on the scene and who stay the longest to help people and communities heal,” King said. “They’re folks who come from all across the country – putting their own lives on hold — to volunteer their time and talent to save lives. Cutting out the patchwork of government policies that inadvertently discourage their work is common sense. Because providing responsible and quality care should always come first, especially during a time of emergency when they’re needed the most.”
The Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act would not affect any standing medical liability laws in individual states, and it would protect against litigation only if damage does not occurr in a deliberate criminal manner.
U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced companion legislation – H.R. 865 – in the House of Representatives last year.