Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB449

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  

Caption

Expanding the definition of healthcare provider for individuals providing care at the scene of an emergency or accident.

Impact

If enacted, SB449 will alter the current laws governing the actions of healthcare providers in emergency situations. By expanding the definition of who qualifies as a healthcare provider, the bill aims to encourage more community involvement in emergency situations by reducing potential litigation risks. It is expected to improve emergency response outcomes by facilitating faster assistance at accident scenes, which can be critical in saving lives and enhancing recovery prospects for patients.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 449 focuses on expanding liability protections for healthcare providers who render emergency care during accidents or emergencies. The bill proposes to amend existing statutes by broadening the definition of a 'healthcare provider' to include additional individuals trained in providing emergency care, such as those certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. This legislative measure is designed to bolster the willingness of trained individuals to assist in emergencies without the fear of legal repercussions, which can often deter bystanders from providing crucial aid.

Contention

While proponents of the bill advocate for the increased safety and efficiency in emergency response, there are concerns regarding potential unintended consequences. Critics might worry that expanding liability protections could lead to reluctance among trained providers to adhere to established emergency protocols, as the bill emphasizes good faith actions without rigorously addressing how 'good faith' will be interpreted in various circumstances. There may also be discussions surrounding the adequacy of training requirements for those newly classified as healthcare providers under this bill.

Notable_points

SB449 specifically outlines the conditions under which healthcare providers can operate without liability, emphasizing that negligence or willful misconduct remains a basis for accountability. The amendment aims to ensure that while many individuals can contribute in emergency situations, they are still expected to act within the bounds of their training and experience. The bill's focus on non-compensated care aims to foster a culture of volunteerism and immediate response at the scene of emergencies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2683

Allowing healthcare providers to charge fees to furnish a patient's healthcare records and providing for the disclosure of a deceased patient's healthcare records to certain individuals.

KS SB123

Boating Accidents - Duty to Stop at the Scene, Render Assistance, and Provide Information - Penalties

KS HB676

Boating Accidents - Duty to Stop at the Scene, Render Assistance, and Provide Information - Penalties

KS HB2039

Adding maternity center to the definition of healthcare provider for purposes of the healthcare provider insurance availability act, amending definitions in the Kansas credentialing act to provide that certain entities providing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology are not home health agencies, clarifying that the authorized activities of paramedics, advanced emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders may be authorized upon the order of a healthcare professional, permitting certain ambulance services to offer service for less than 24 hours per day, every day of the year, and requiring entities that control automated external defibrillators to register the device with the emergency medical services board.

KS SB63

Enacting the help not harm act, restricting use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibiting healthcare providers from providing gender transition care to children whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorizing a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments, requiring professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment, prohibiting professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians.

KS HB307

Boating Accidents - Duty to Remain at the Scene, Render Assistance, and Provide Information - Penalties

KS SB1022

Further providing for definitions and for drug overdose medication.

KS HB2071

Enacting the help not harm act to restrict the use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibit healthcare providers from providing gender transition whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorize a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments, require professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment and prohibit professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians.

KS SB521

Modifies the immunity from liability for care or assistance rendered in emergency or accident

KS SB189

Providing injured employees the freedom of choice to designate their healthcare provider and requiring the employer to pay for the services of such healthcare provider with regard to workers compensation.

Similar Bills

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RI H7030

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RI H7941

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AR HB1299

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AR HB1301

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RI H8310

Amends the timelines related to healthcare provider credentialing.

MA H2364

Providing safeguards for home healthcare workers

MA S1632

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