STATEHOUSE – State Representative David Frizzell (R-Indianapolis) authored legislation that could make certain healthcare services more accessible to Hoosiers. House Bill (HB) 1145 passed out of the Senate with a 46 to 2 vote.
“It is important not only to make health care services more accessible to Hoosiers, but also to legally protect those that are doing their best to provide that care, which is the intent behind this legislation,” said Rep. Frizzell.
HB 1145 requires the Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) to establish a process through which volunteer health service locations are approved up to two years. Volunteers practicing at approved locations would be eligible for immunity from certain civil liabilities. However, the volunteer must follow certain guidelines to receive immunity such as notifying and obtaining the signature of a patient.
Additionally, HB 1145 requires individuals, who meet the criteria for those immunities, to provide a record and results of laboratory and imaging based screenings and tests to the patient. The bill also allows a person that provides a health care service to make recommendations for testing.
“There are countless Hoosiers around the state who would volunteer their time to provide health care but decide not to due to the potential legal ramifications. My goal is that this legislation will help alleviate some of those concerns and encourage more individuals to volunteer their time,” said Rep. Frizzell.
The bill also requires the PLA to track all service provider volunteers. There are six types of providers that would be entered into the proposed volunteer registry: physicians, physician assistants, dentists, nurses, advance practice nurses and optometrists.
“Effectively tracking the services provided to Hoosiers will allow the state to better understand the health care needs of communities across Indiana,” said Rep. Frizzell.
Visit www.iga.in.gov for more information about HB 1145.
-30-
Rep. Frizzell represents a portion of Marion and Johnson counties.
