Press Releases

WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.-08) and Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Calif.-25) introduced the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023. This bill would expand liability protections for doctors who choose to volunteer during national or public health emergencies. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) loosened regulations to allow more doctors and other healthcare professionals to practice across state lines and assist areas of the country where need was most dire. The Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2023 would build off this initiative by helping facilitate the ability of doctors to help patients in localities that need it most regardless of state boundaries.   

“When disaster strikes, our nation’s healthcare professionals are on the front lines fighting for patients in need,” said Dr. Bucshon. “My bipartisan Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act would support the desires of doctors and other healthcare professionals to help patients by eliminating needless regulation that could interfere with their ability to save lives.” 

“During a public health crisis, our nation must be able to respond fully and immediately,” Dr. Ruiz said. “The Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act will help protect our health care workforce in times of crisis, ensure disaster victims have timely access to the care they need, and help our response efforts to public health crises like the coronavirus pandemic.”