AB 44

Currently, under the Volunteer Health Care Provider Program (program), the

state indemnifies certain health care providers who provide health care services for

a nonprofit agency or elementary school free of charge or, in the case of some dental

service, for a discounted fee. In order to serve as a volunteer health care provider

under the program, a person must submit a joint application with a nonprofit agency

or elementary school, and the Department of Administration must approve the

application. If volunteering for a nonprofit agency, the agency must primarily serve

low-income people. The following people may become volunteer health care

providers under the program: physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, registered

nurses, practical nurses, nurse-midwifes, optometrists, physician assistants,

pharmacists, dieticians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacy technicians. If a claim

is brought against a volunteer health care provider for acts or omissions committed

in the course of providing health care services under the program, the state must

provide or pay for legal representation for the volunteer health care provider and

must pay damages and costs awarded against the volunteer health care provider to

the extent that legal representation, damages, and costs are not covered by any

applicable insurance.

This bill requires the state to provide or pay for legal representation and pay

damages and costs awarded against a volunteer health care provider in connection

with a claim arising against the volunteer health care provider for acts or omissions

committed in the course of providing volunteer health care services under the

program, regardless of whether any applicable insurance covers the costs of legal

representation, damages, or costs. The bill also allows chiropractors and physical

therapists to become volunteer health care providers under the program.