Bill > S1218

This bill aims to provide liability protection for licensed registered nurses who volunteer their services during declared disasters or emergencies in Massachusetts. It defines "disaster" broadly to include emergencies declared by the governor or local public health authorities when resources are insufficient. The bill clarifies that a "patient" is someone receiving health services from a volunteer nurse during such events, and a "volunteer" is a licensed registered nurse in good standing offering services without pay. Under this legislation, these volunteers would be protected from disciplinary action by the nursing licensure board and shielded from civil or criminal liability for any injury or harm caused to a patient, unless their actions amount to criminal negligence. Furthermore, if a volunteer nurse suffers injury, disability, or death while serving, they would be treated as a state employee for compensation purposes, receiving benefits similar to those provided to state employees under existing laws.