Bill > S955

This bill, titled the Family Health Care Accessibility Act of 2013, amends the Public Health Service Act to provide liability protections for volunteer healthcare professionals working at community health centers funded under section 330 of the Act. Essentially, it means that if a volunteer doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider offers their services at one of these designated health centers, and meets certain conditions, they will be treated as an employee of the Public Health Service for liability purposes. This protection applies when the volunteer provides services at the health center's facilities or through its offsite programs, is sponsored by the center, does not receive payment from the patient or a third party (though reimbursement for reasonable expenses is allowed), and a clear notice about the limited liability is posted. The volunteer must also be licensed or certified. This aims to encourage more healthcare professionals to volunteer their time and expertise at these vital community health centers without fear of excessive lawsuits.