Senate bill aims to curtail pandemic lawsuits - Your Valley

Senate Bill 1377 is being billed by proponents as protecting health care providers, particularly hospitals, who may have found they could not provide care at a certain level because of staff or supply shortages.

First, it bars lawsuits unless someone can show there was either gross negligence or willful misconduct.

“Why does this bill require proof of willful misconduct or gross negligence?” Rep. Andrade asked.

Instead, he said, it provides immunity for those who adopt and implement “reasonable policies related to the public health pandemic,” a term that is not defined in the legislation.

“It seems to me that CDC guidelines are reasonable guidelines and we should be putting that language in the bill,” Rep. Friese said.

Published On: Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:00:00 GMT