Legislation to make it easier for health care professionals to volunteer their time has been passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now heads to the Senate.
House Bill 1481, by state Rep. Sally Kern, would modify current law that already makes volunteer physicians eligible for limited immunity from liability – removing the requirement that a written statement must be obtained from patients stating awareness of the volunteer nature of their care. The bill also broadens the limited immunity to cover other health care professionals.
“The men and women who are graciously volunteering their time to help Oklahomans should not be made to jump through as many hurdles as someone who is charging for a service,” Kern, R-Oklahoma City, said. “I believe that these medical professionals are not subject to the same liability for their care when it is given freely instead of for a profit.”
The bill would also modify current law that authorizes a special medical license for physicians who wish only to provide care on a voluntary basis. The bill would create special licenses for any health care profession requiring a license.
“Sometimes, it is a retired individual who wants to donate their time,” Kern said. “It is one thing for these men and women to offer free services but quite another to have to pay licensing fees to be able to volunteer their time. House Bill 1481 would create licenses that would not be such a burden to obtain.”
Kern said it is her intent to encourage volunteer efforts at a time when many Oklahomans are without health care and may avoid seeking treatment because of the costs involved.
“I believe this will encourage out-of-state and retired medical professionals to volunteer their time in Oklahoma,” Kern said. “I believe that it is one of the many things legislators should be focused on to help Oklahomans obtain the health care they need.”
House Bill 1481 was approved by a vote of 97-1 and now heads to the Senate.
Source: Oklahoma House of Representatives
Topics Oklahoma
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