Bill > HB0222

This bill, known as the Medical Ethics Defense Act-2, establishes comprehensive protections for health care professionals, institutions, and payers who wish to decline participation in or payment for health care services that conflict with their conscience, which is broadly defined to include ethical, moral, and religious beliefs. The legislation prevents discrimination against these individuals and organizations for exercising their right of conscience, prohibiting adverse actions such as license revocation, employment termination, or other punitive measures. It covers a wide range of health care professionals and services, allowing them to refuse involvement in specific procedures or treatments that violate their personal or institutional principles without fear of legal or professional repercussions. The bill provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for such refusals and allows individuals or organizations to seek civil remedies if they believe their rights have been violated. Key protections include safeguarding First Amendment expressive activities, ensuring timely notifications about complaints, and permitting conscientious objections while maintaining requirements for emergency medical treatment. The act will apply to health care services provided on or after July 1, 2025, and does not supersede existing laws that offer equal or greater protections for conscience rights. The departments of insurance and health are tasked with developing implementing rules, and the legislation aims to balance individual conscience rights with patient care responsibilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0222