DEFIBRILLATOR: IMMUNITY - S.B. 725: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 725 (as introduced 9-23-99)
Sponsor: Senator John J.H. Schwarz, M.D.
Committee: Health Policy
Date Completed: 10-8-99
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Public Health Code to provide for immunity from liability for persons who treated certain patients or other individuals by using an automated external defibrillator.
The bill provides that certain medical and emergency personnel who rendered services consisting of the use of an automated external defibrillator on an individual who was in, or was exhibiting symptoms of, cardiac distress would be immune from liability for the treatment, if the acts or omissions were consistent with the personnel's licensure or additional training required by the local medical control authority. The immunity would not apply if an act or omission were the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The bill would apply to the medical and emergency personnel who currently are immune from liability in the treatment of patients.
Currently, the Code contains a list of medical and emergency personnel who are immune from liability for the treatment of patients if the acts or omissions are consistent with the personnel's licensure or additional required training, unless an act or omission is the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The listed personnel include medical first responders, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technician specialists, paramedics, and medical directors of medical control authorities. The immunity applies to services performed outside a hospital or in a hospital before a patient is transferred to hospital personnel.
MCL 333.20965 - Legislative Analyst: G. Towne
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: M. Tyszkiewicz
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.