New Jersey Assembly Bill A2072

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Provides civil immunity to licensed health care professionals who provide care at health care facilities for no compensation.

Impact

The implications of A2072 on state laws are significant as it establishes clearer guidelines on the liability of health care professionals in the context of uncompensated care. By expanding immunity, the bill is designed to promote a more robust volunteer health care system, which could alleviate some obstacles faced by clinics that depend on volunteer practitioners. The bill also includes provisions that require professionals to inform patients about the immunity status prior to treatment, ensuring transparency and reinforcing the professional's duty of care.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2072 aims to provide civil immunity to licensed health care professionals who render care and treatment at licensed health care facilities or nonprofit clinics without expectations of compensation. This legislation acknowledges the importance of volunteer health care services and seeks to encourage more professionals to offer their services without the fear of liability for unintended injuries. The act specifies that immunity is granted only for care provided without compensation, thereby excluding situations involving gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding the bill include the possible risk of healthcare professionals becoming less diligent due to the immunity provisions. Critics of A2072 may worry that by providing immunity, there might be less incentive for health care providers to uphold high standards of care, particularly when patients are receiving treatment without billing. Moreover, opponents might raise concerns about how immunity is defined and enforced, fearing that it might protect negligent behavior under the guise of 'good faith' actions.