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Additional COVID-19 Liability Protections For Health Care Providers Head To Governor

The House approved changes made by the Senate to HB 1002 that will give additional protection to health care providers from COVID-19 civil lawsuits. (Lauren Chapman/IPB News)

A bill that will give health care providers additional protections from COVID-19 liability lawsuits is on its way to the governor’s desk. Some trial lawyers worry the bill will limit Hoosiers from seeking legal action for their loved ones.

The House version of the bill, HB 1002, expands upon previous legislation Gov. Eric Holcomb already signed that gave civil immunity to businesses, schools and health care providers.

READ MORE: How Will Indiana Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

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It adds protections for nursing homes, hospitals and other medical providers from lawsuits unless gross negligence or willful misconduct can be proven.

Ashley Hadler is a trial lawyer and represents clients looking to take legal action against nursing homes. She said changes in the Senate did improve the bill, but it is still too broad.

“It still will allow attorneys to argue that facilities are immune from claims that have nothing to do with coronavirus,” said Hadler. “It still allows bad actors to get away with understaffing or get away with not providing patient care under the guise of responding to COVID-19. And that's a problem.”

The House agreed to the Senate’s changes Wednesday. The bill will now go to Holcomb for his signature.

Contact reporter Samantha at shorton@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @SamHorton5.

Last month, we welcomed Samantha Horton to our station. She is Indiana Public Broadcasting reporter, mainly reporting on business and economic issues in the States of Indiana for WBAA. After graduated from Evansville University with a triple majors degree (International studies, Political science and Communication), Samantha worked for a Public Radio at Evansville for three years, and then she joined WBAA because she wanted to take a bigger role on reporting. So far she enjoyed working in WBAA as business and economy reporter.