Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide legal protection for health care providers in Minnesota, ensuring they are not held criminally liable for harm or damages while providing health treatment and services, with certain exceptions.

Main Provisions

• Immunity for Health Care Providers: The bill proposes to grant immunity from criminal liability to licensed health care providers for acts or omissions related to the provision of health treatment and services. This immunity covers any alleged harm or damages that may arise during the delivery of these services.

• Exceptions to Immunity: The immunity does not extend to cases of gross negligence or any actions that are wanton, willful, malicious, or involve intentional misconduct. Health care providers can still be held criminally liable under these specific circumstances.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduction of Immunity Clause: This bill introduces a new section in Minnesota Statutes chapter 145 that specifically provides health care providers with immunity from criminal charges linked to their professional actions, given they act within the scope of their licensed practice and follow state law.

• Clarification of Legal Protections: By officially including this immunity, the bill clarifies the extent of legal protections available to health care professionals, reinforcing that existing laws or contracts that offer different liabilities or defenses remain unaltered.

Relevant Terms

immunity, criminal liability, health care providers, gross negligence, health treatment, professional misconduct