The bill stipulates that to be certified as a volunteer, medical professionals must meet specific criteria including ongoing commitment to volunteer services at free clinics. They must prove they have provided a minimum of 48 hours of qualifying health services per calendar quarter to maintain their certification. The immunity granted under this act does not cover cases of gross negligence or willful misbehavior, which underscores a balanced approach to protecting volunteers while ensuring accountability. If enacted, this legislation is expected to mitigate some financial burdens on the state's Medicaid system, as it encourages the use of free clinics, thereby potentially reducing unnecessary hospital visits for non-urgent care.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2721, known as the 'Volunteer Medical Professional Health Care Act', aims to provide civil liability immunity to licensed physicians and dentists certified as volunteer medical professionals by the New Jersey Department of Health. This bill seeks to address the significant healthcare challenges in New Jersey, where over one million residents lack health insurance and emergency rooms frequently cater to non-urgent cases due to perceived lack of options. By encouraging medical professionals to volunteer at free clinics, the legislation strives to enhance access to healthcare services for low-income populations.
Contention
Critics of the bill may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of oversight and standards for the quality of care provided at free clinics. While the intention is to encourage volunteer service among healthcare professionals, there could be worries that the absence of civil liability might lead to careless practices in some instances. Furthermore, there may be discussions about whether the current state healthcare infrastructure is equipped to handle an influx of patients being directed to free clinics as a result of this legislation.
Authorizes health care professionals to engage in the use of remote patient monitoring devices; requires health care insurance coverage by certain insurers for remote patient monitoring devices.