The Medical Professional Liability Association on Monday welcomed proposed federal legislation that would protect health care professionals from liability related to COVID-19.
H.R. 3021, introduced by Rep. J. Luis Correa, D-California, and Rep. Michael C. Burgess, R-Texas, last Friday, would protect health care professionals and any related health care entity from liability “for damages with respect to any harm caused by any act or omission…in the course of arranging for or providing health care services during the COVID-19” public health emergency.
The Coronavirus Provider Protection Act (H.R. 3021) would protect frontline medical professionals from the threat of medical liability lawsuits stemming from care already provided and care that might have been delayed because of coronavirus restrictions, Brian K. Atchinson, president and CEO of the Medical Professional Liability Association said in a statement.
The Rockland, Maryland-based association will “continue to build bipartisan support in Congress to establish a foundation for this important measure,” Mr. Atchinson said.
More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.
A majority of employers believe the cost of providing health benefits will become unsustainable in the next five to 10 years, according to a survey by the Purchaser Business Group on Health and the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medical Economics reported. 85% of respondents said government intervention in providing coverage will be necessary.