Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB2199

Introduced
1/21/22  

Caption

Relating To Treatment Of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Impact

The proposed amendments to Chapter 453 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes represent a significant shift in how liability is handled for COVID-19 treatments. By establishing this protection, the bill aims to encourage healthcare providers to act decisively in the early treatment of COVID-19 without the fear of facing legal consequences. This could lead to improved patient outcomes during public health emergencies by facilitating more proactive treatment measures and potentially reducing hospital admissions.

Summary

SB2199 is a legislative bill concerning the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hawaii. The primary purpose of the bill is to provide legal protections for healthcare professionals, including physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and pharmacists, who prescribe or administer early treatment for COVID-19. The bill stipulates that these healthcare providers will not be subject to civil or criminal liability for their actions, as long as they are undertaken in good faith to prevent hospitalizations and deaths related to the disease.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance patient care during the ongoing pandemic, it has raised concerns among some stakeholders regarding the implications for medical accountability. Critics argue that the liability protection could lead to instances of negligence or inappropriate treatment practices, as providers may feel less pressure to adhere to established medical protocols when they are shielded from legal repercussions. This aspect of the bill may become a focal point for debate among lawmakers and healthcare advocates, particularly in discussions about patient safety and healthcare standards in emergent situations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SB60

Relating To Health.

HI SB2489

Relating To Prescriptive Authority For Clinical Psychologists.

HI HB2553

Relating To Pharmacists.

HI HB1432

Relating To Prescriptive Authority For Psychologists.

HI SB760

Relating To Psychologists.

HI SB1443

Relating To Asthma.

HI HB1448

Relating To Asthma.

HI HB2630

Relating To Mental Health Treatment.

HI HB1155

Relating To Assisted Community Treatment.

HI SB982

Relating To Assisted Community Treatment.

Similar Bills

MO HB3020

APPROPRIATION BILL

AR HB1002

To Prohibit The Government From Mandating A Vaccination Or Immunization For Coronavirus 2019 (covid-19) Or Any Subvariants Of Coronavirus 2019 (covid-19), Or Both; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB3

To Prohibit The Government From Mandating A Vaccination Or Immunization For Coronavirus 2019 (covid-19) Or Any Subvariants Of Coronavirus 2019 (covid-19), Or Both; And To Declare An Emergency.

MO HB20

APPROPRIATION BILL

TX HB140

Relating to the Texas Leading on Opportunity, Investment, and Economic Stimulus Through Aid and Relief (LONESTAR) Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021; making appropriations and giving direction regarding appropriations.

TX SB8

Relating to making supplemental appropriations and giving direction regarding appropriations.

MO HB3020

APPROPRIATION BILL

TX HB145

Relating to making supplemental appropriations and giving direction regarding appropriations.