Bill > S2483

This bill, titled the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," establishes the right for medical practitioners (individuals like doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals), healthcare institutions (hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, etc.), and healthcare payers (insurance companies, employers who provide health plans) to refuse to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service that violates their conscience, which is defined as their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs or principles. The bill also protects these individuals and entities from lawsuits or criminal charges for exercising this right, and prevents them from facing discrimination, such as being fired, demoted, or otherwise penalized by their employers for declining to participate in a procedure based on their conscience. It includes specific provisions for religious healthcare institutions to make employment decisions consistent with their beliefs, requires explicit written consent from a healthcare practitioner before they can be scheduled for or asked to participate in an abortion, and clarifies that the act does not override the requirement to provide emergency medical treatment. Furthermore, the bill provides whistleblower protections for medical practitioners who report violations of the act or other concerning practices, and outlines civil remedies for violations, including the possibility of recovering triple damages and attorney fees. This act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Justice

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