Revises provisions governing civil liability for injury or death resulting from exposure to COVID-19. (BDR 3-516)
If passed, SB73 would amend Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) sections regarding civil liability, providing significant protections to a range of health-related entities. By removing exclusions for healthcare providers from immunity rights, the bill could potentially reduce the number of civil suits filed against these entities for COVID-19 related claims. It also extends this immunity to independent contractors and employees of these entities, which further consolidates their protection in the event of lawsuits alleging negligence or harmful exposures.
Senate Bill 73 (SB73) proposes to revise the provisions governing civil liability for personal injuries or deaths stemming from exposure to COVID-19. It aims to enhance protections for specific medical providers and facilities by removing existing exclusions from civil liability immunity. The bill stipulates that medical facilities, including nursing homes and hospitals, would be granted immunity from lawsuits regarding COVID-19 exposure if they were in substantial compliance with controlling health standards. This change is enacted with the intention of supporting healthcare entities during ongoing health crises by limiting their liability under certain conditions.
The sentiment around SB73 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that the bill is a necessary step toward safeguarding healthcare facilities from what they perceive as potential exploitative lawsuits arising post-pandemic. However, critics may articulate concerns that overly broad immunity could enable negligence and undermine patient safety, especially if healthcare facilities do not adhere strictly to necessary health standards. This balance of protecting operational capabilities while ensuring accountability remains a critical point of discussion.
Notable points of contention focus on the implications of extended immunity for healthcare providers. Supporters of the bill advocate that such measures are essential for the stability of healthcare services during public health emergencies, which could be jeopardized by extensive litigation. Conversely, various stakeholders worry that by shielding medical entities from liability, it may diminish the incentive for them to uphold high safety standards, potentially diminishing public trust in healthcare practices.