Bill > S789

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 112 of the General Laws to create a new section, 12V¾, which establishes a "safe harbor" for individuals who provide emergency care. This means that if a person, acting in good faith and without being paid, attempts to help someone in urgent need of care at the scene of an emergency or while transporting them in an ambulance or rescue vehicle, they generally won't be held legally responsible for any mistakes or failures in their actions, unless those actions amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. However, this protection comes with a condition: the person providing emergency care must ensure the injured individual is transferred to the care of a qualified medical professional, such as a physician or nurse, as soon as possible and must follow the instructions of that professional. This provision aims to encourage people to offer assistance in emergencies without fear of being sued for their efforts.