Health care institutions; provider; liability
The bill reaffirms that under a governor-declared state of emergency, health care providers, including educational institutions, non-profits, and local governments, can adopt reasonable policies without facing liability for potential claims that might arise if individuals are harmed due to their handling of the emergency. This change is aimed at encouraging providers to implement necessary health protocols with reduced fear of litigation, thus fostering a more proactive response to public health challenges.
House Bill 2476 seeks to amend existing Arizona Revised Statutes concerning civil liability for health care providers during declared public health emergencies. Specifically, it modifies Section 12-515 by establishing that health care providers and related entities acting in good faith to protect the public from health crises are not liable for damages in civil actions related to their responses to such emergencies. This includes actions that were taken or not taken during a state of emergency proclaimed by the governor in response to a public health pandemic.
While the bill aims to protect health care institutions and practitioners from frivolous lawsuits, it could raise concerns among critics who argue that it may allow for a lack of accountability. By providing broad immunity, opponents may question whether this legislation could lead to negligence or irresponsible actions during health emergencies, under a guise of legal protection. Balancing the need to protect public health and ensuring accountability will likely be a key point of debate as the bill progresses.