Friday, June 8, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Good Samaritan Law to Better Protect Missouri Families
ST. LOUIS - Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation that will allow doctors, nurses and other licensed health care professionals protections to better serve Missouri families during declared disasters. The governor called for this legislation in his State of the State address.
"Missourians and others across our nation have shown their generosity when it comes to helping their neighbors during their times of need,” Gov. Blunt said. “Health care professionals who offer their time and expertise to help our neighbors during an emergency should not fear frivolous lawsuits. This legislation also enhances our ability to efficiently and effectively respond to Missourians needs during an emergency."
"Passage of this bill is an important measure for health care workers across the state," said Debbie Mays, BJC director of emergency preparedness. "In the event of a disaster, the community depends on the rapid response of the health care community, and House Bill 579 helps relieve workers of liability concerns in a time of crisis."
House Bill 579, sponsored by Rep. Tom Dempsey, provides Missouri doctors, nurses and other licensed health care professionals serving as Good Samaritans liability protection when assisting Missourians during a declared disaster. The legislation also extends the same protections to licensed health care professionals from other states who volunteer to help Missourians during emergency disaster situations.
The legislation also allows the Department of Health and Senior Services to recruit, train and accept the services of citizen volunteers to dispense medication in a public health emergency under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. This provision will assist the state in continuing to develop a comprehensive plan to deal with the effects of a possible pandemic flu.
To increase efficiency in times of emergency, the legislation also moves the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) from the authority of the Adjutant General to the direct authority of the Department of Public Safety Director. The move is one of the state government improvements recommended by the governor’s State Government Review Commission. The change will enhance efficiency and response capabilities as SEMA coordinates with all of the various divisions of the emergency response community.
###