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SENATE 1350116th CongressRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2019

Last Action
5/7/2019

Actions

  • 2019-05-07Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • 2019-05-07Introduced in Senate

CRS Summary

As of 2019-05-07 (00)

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2019

This bill shields health care professionals from liability under federal or state law for harm caused by an act or omission while (1) the professional is serving as a volunteer in response to a disaster; and (2) such act or omission occurs during the period of the disaster, in the state where the disaster has been declared, in the professional's capacity as a volunteer, during the course of providing a service for which the professional is licensed or certified, and with a good faith belief that the individual being treated is in need of health care services.

This protection from liability does not apply if (1) the harm was caused by an act or omission constituting 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 professional rendered the health care services under the influence of alcohol or an intoxicating drug.

Cosponsors (11)

  • Angus King (I-ME)
  • Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
  • Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
  • Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
  • Roger Wicker (R-MS)
  • Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
  • Joseph Manchin (D-WV)
  • Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
  • John Boozman (R-AR)
  • Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
  • Tom Cotton (R-AR)

Subjects

  • Civil actions and liability
  • Disaster relief and insurance
  • Emergency medical services and trauma care
  • Evidence and witnesses
  • Federal preemption
  • Health care quality
  • Health personnel
  • Licensing and registrations
  • Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.