Bill > HB1437

This bill proposes to repeal a section of Maryland law that currently provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for health care providers during a catastrophic health emergency. Specifically, the existing law protects health care providers from legal consequences if they act in good faith during an officially proclaimed catastrophic health emergency. By removing this provision, the bill would eliminate the automatic legal protection that health care providers currently enjoy in such situations, potentially making them more vulnerable to lawsuits or criminal charges for their actions during extreme health events. The proposed changes would take effect on October 1, 2025, giving stakeholders time to prepare for the potential legal implications. This could have significant consequences for health care providers, as they would no longer have blanket protection when treating patients during large-scale health crises, which might impact their decision-making and willingness to provide care in challenging emergency circumstances.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1437?ys=2025RS