The House Judiciary heard HB 1145 concerning civil immunity for volunteer health care providers, authored and presented by Rep. Frizzell. The bill provides civil immunity for volunteer health providers – defined as dentists, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, or an advanced nurse practitioner, who provide non-invasive health procedures. The bill also requires the professional licensing agency to establish and maintain a registry to approve locations where volunteer health care services may be provided, and a health care volunteer registry. An amendment was introduced specifying that immunity would not apply to a healthcare facility that receives federal funding. The amendment was adopted by consent. Testimony in support of the bill was received by a representative of the Indiana Minority Health Coalition; a senior advisor from Governor Pence’s Administration; a physician representing Riley Children’s Hospital and Timmy Global Health; and a physician from St. Francis Hospital. The amended bill passed 10-0.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/house/1145.