Bill > H1956

This bill proposes to amend Massachusetts General Laws to provide liability protection for licensed registered nurses who volunteer their services during declared disasters or emergencies. Specifically, it defines "disaster" to include emergencies declared by the governor or local public health authorities when resources are insufficient, "patient" as someone receiving care from a volunteer nurse during such an event, and "volunteer" as a licensed registered nurse serving without compensation. The bill states that these volunteers will be exempt from disciplinary action by the nursing licensure board and from civil or criminal liability for any injury or harm caused to a patient, as long as their actions do not amount to criminal negligence. Furthermore, if a volunteer nurse suffers injury, disability, or death while serving, they will be treated as an employee of the commonwealth and compensated accordingly, similar to how state employees are compensated under existing workers' compensation laws. This legislation aims to encourage nurses to volunteer during critical times by offering them protection from legal repercussions and ensuring they are covered if they are harmed while providing essential care.