FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5601

C 256 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Limiting liability for physicians providing care at community clinics.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators McCaslin and Deccio).

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Judiciary

Background: RCW 4.24.300 is commonly known as the good samaritan law. It provides civil immunity for any person who, without compensation or expectation of compensation, renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency or participates in transporting an injured person for emergency medical treatment. The immunity does not extend to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. Proponents of this bill believe that physicians who perform free medical care in community clinics should also have this protection.

Summary: An osteopath or physician licensed in the state of Washington who provides health care services without compensation or expectation of compensation at a community clinic is not liable for civil damages resulting from such care. The immunity from liability does not extend to acts or omissions which constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       34  15

House       84  12

Effective: July 27, 2003