ASA Endorses Legislation to Provide COVID-19-related Liability Protections for Healthcare Professionals

On June 10, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), along with a group of other health care stakeholders, sent a joint communication to Representatives Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) and Lou Correa (D-CA) voicing support of their recently introduced liability relief legislation, H.R. 7059, the Coronavirus Provider Protection Act.

H.R. 7059 would provide limited and targeted liability protections to healthcare professionals, and the facilities in which they practice, from the serious threat of COVID-19-related liability lawsuits. This will help ensure that healthcare professionals and facilities on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic can focus on helping patients without the fear of getting drawn into unwarranted lawsuits. The legislation protects those providing care in good faith while appropriately excluding liability protections in situations of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

ASA and a group of medical specialty organizations also sent a formal communication to House and Senate leaders strongly urging for the inclusion of H.R. 7059 in the next COVID-19 Relief package.

ASA thanks Representatives Roe and Correa for introducing the Coronavirus Provider Protection Act. ASA will continue to advocate for legislation that impacts healthcare professionals caring for patients on the frontlines of the pandemic.