Provides for a death benefit for certain public employees who die from COVID-19 (Item #11) (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)
With the passage of HB 71, significant financial support is provided to the families of healthcare workers who tragically succumb to COVID-19. The establishment of a special fund to handle these benefits is intended to streamline the disbursement process. Moreover, the bill creates the COVID-19 Death Benefit Review Board to manage this fund and ensure proper dissemination of benefits. This enactment shows a direct governmental acknowledgment of the risks faced by healthcare providers during the pandemic.
House Bill 71, known as the Larrice Anderson Act, establishes a COVID-19 death benefit for employees of publicly owned healthcare facilities in Louisiana who die as a result of the virus. The bill specifically targets direct patient care providers who reported for work after March 1, 2020, tested positive for COVID-19 while on duty, and died before June 5, 2020. The death benefit is calculated as three times the last year's compensation of the employee, capped at $150,000, and is payable to the employee's surviving spouse, children, or estate.
The overall sentiment surrounding HB 71 has been largely positive, particularly among advocates for healthcare workers. Supporters argue that this bill serves as an essential form of recognition and support for the sacrifices made by these individuals during a public health crisis. However, there may be some contention about the limitations placed on eligibility dates and specifics regarding compensation calculations, which could leave some families without necessary support.
Notable points of contention arise around the eligibility criteria set within the bill. The requirement that the employee tested positive after reporting to work and died prior to a specific date could exclude some valid cases. Critics may argue that this creates an arbitrary restriction that does not account for the realities of the pandemic, where many healthcare workers faced overwhelming challenges and exposures. Additionally, there may be concerns about the sufficiency of the capped benefit amount relative to the potential financial hardships arising from an unexpected death.