Bipartisan federal legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week would provide targeted liability protections for physicians and other health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, the Coronavirus Provider Protection Act would protect health care workers who had to change how care was delivered based on constantly changing public health recommendations.
“Physicians and other health care professionals are putting themselves at risk every day while facing shortages of medical supplies and safety equipment, as well as changing directives and guidance from all levels of government,” American Medical Association President Patrice A. Harris, MD, said in a statement.
The Texas Medical Association has repeatedly called on Gov. Greg Abbott to expand liability protections to physicians during the pandemic.
On May 12, the governor requested nationwide federal liability relief, and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) also has asked for federal action. TMA will continue to monitor this situation and advocate for protections for Texas physicians. To date, the governor has not issued an executive order, and no federal legislation has been passed.
Meanwhile, TMA has created a white paper that reviews several state statutes that could offer limited liability protections for physicians who volunteer their services in certain circumstances.
Find the latest news, resources, and government guidance on the coronavirus outbreak by visiting TMA’s COVID-19 Resource Center regularly.
Last Updated On
June 03, 2020
Originally Published On
June 03, 2020