The bill SB 74: COVID-19-related Claims Against Health Care Providers, sponsored by Jeff Brandes, a senator from Florida and the representative of the Republican Party, and accepted as a health policy on February 10, 2021, addresses the legislative procedure for civil actions on the basis of COVID-19-related claims against health care providers. According to it and related current policy, health care providers are essential for the survival of the state’s residents as they are responsible for the provision of quality health care for patients with coronavirus (Brandes, 2021). They continue to treat them regardless of potential recognized and still hidden risks of exposure to the virus. In addition, nurse practitioners are obliged to act in conformity with COVID-19-related guidelines and the Nursing Code of Ethics, which presupposes beneficence and non-maleficence. In addition, health care professionals aim to protect patients’ rights, privacy, and dignity.
However, COVID-19-related claims against health care providers may occur, and a health policy aims to regulate them. Thus, claims are regarded as reliable in the case of specialists’ negligence, misconduct, and severe violation of COVID-19-related guidelines (Brandes, 2021). In other words, civil actions against health care providers will be initiated if the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are not followed, and damage to a patient’s health and life is caused. However, plaintiffs should provide strong evidence to support their complaints. Otherwise, a claim will be dismissed (Brandes, 2021). At the same time, medical facilities and specialists are currently struggling to receive necessary personal protective equipment and other supplies that may minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission (“Legislative and regulatory advocacy,” n.d.). That is why any health care provider is regarded as immune from liability in the case of COVID-19-related claims as a mistake is caused by the unavailability of materials, equipment, personnel, or supplies.
References
Brandes, J. (2021). SB 74: COVID-19-related claims against health care providers. The Florida Senate. Web.
Legislative and regulatory advocacy. (n.d.). Web.