Now Is the Time to Help Pass Volunteer Liability Protections!

PLEASE ASK ask your U.S. Senators to support S. 781 The Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2017. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to limit the liability of physicians and others who provide volunteer healthcare services in response to a disaster.

This bill shields a healthcare professional from liability under federal or state law for harm caused by any act or omission if: (1) the professional is serving as a volunteer in response to a disaster and (2) the act or omission occurs during the period of the disaster, in the professional’s capacity as a volunteer, and in a good faith belief that the individual being treated is in need of healthcare services.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, also a physician, is sponsor. Medical volunteers are often turned away due to inconsistent Good Samaritan laws, as well as confusion and uncertainty about the application of these laws.