SS/HB 579 - This act allows health care providers from any state to provide care as necessitated by an emergency declared by the Governor, subject to approval by the State Emergency Management Agency. In these instances, the professionals shall not be liable for administrative penalties or civil damages for failure to exercise ordinary care. The professionals shall be liable for damages due to willful and wanton acts or omissions in rendering care. The Governor may suspend rules prescribing procedures for conducting state business when strict compliance would hinder action by the Department of Health and Senior Services during such an emergency.
The Department of Health and Senior Services may suspend rules pertaining to dispensing medications in a state of emergency declared by the Governor, and may allow individuals to dispense under the supervision of a licensed health care provider according to the department’s Strategic National Stockpile Plan.
Currently, the State Emergency Management Agency operates under the Office of the Adjutant General. This act reorganizes the agency under the Department of Public Safety.
This act contains an emergency clause.
This act is similar to SB 705 (2007), SCS/SB 889 (2006), SCS/HB 1118 (2006), HB 788 (2007), SB 380 (2007).
CHRIS HOGERTY