Frankfort, Kentucky – The Kentucky Senate passed HB 159, a measure that grants criminal immunity to frontline healthcare providers who make a simple mistake during their duties, last Friday morning.
“The stresses of being a healthcare provider are heavy enough without the stresses of being prosecuted in the event something goes wrong due to an honest error,” said Representative Patrick Flannery, the primary sponsor of HB 159. “It is important that we take strides in helping those who help us when we need it most. I believe HB 159 does just that.”
Though HB 159 does grant criminal immunity to frontline healthcare providers in the event they make simple mistakes while they treat their patients, it does not grant criminal immunity for providers who are found to be guilty of gross negligence or wanton, willful, malicious, or intentional misconduct. Additionally, the law will still permit a path of legal recourse for patients in civil court.
“Patients still have their rights, and healthcare providers are still held to a high standard. This legislation is simply about letting them practice with an ease of mind. I am very happy with today’s result, and I look forward to HB 159 becoming law in the Commonwealth.”
For more information regarding HB 159, as well as current and past legislative measures, please visit legislature.ky.gov or click here.
