House Bill 182, sponsored by Representative Larry Flowers (R–Canal Winchester), extends immunity from liability for services provided by volunteer health care professionals and workers to more health care facilities and to nonprofit referring organizations; and increases the maximum allowable income of individuals who may be served by volunteers having immunity from liability. The bill has been referred to the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee and Rep. Flowers gave sponsor testimony on June 11, 2003.
Senate Bill 86, sponsored by Senator Steve Stivers (R–Columbus), also provides immunity for health care providers. Senate Bill 86 Senate Bill 86 extends immunity from liability for services provided by volunteer health care professionals and workers to more health care facilities and to nonprofit referring organizations; and increases the maximum allowable income of individuals who may be served by volunteers having immunity from liability. As substituted, the bill clarifies that immunity from civil liability includes doctors’ offices and all potential locations where volunteer health care to the indigent and those without coverage might occur; provides immunity to non-profit health care referral organizations that provide care to the indigent; and specifies where retired physicians can volunteer under immunity. Senate Bill 86 passed the Ohio Senate by a vote of 32-0 on June 10, 2003, and is awaiting a referral to Committee in Ohio House of Representatives.