FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2005
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Senator Waugh Introduces Legislation to Provide Civil Immunity for Retired Physicians Who Participate in the Medical Reserve Corps

HARRISBURG – Today Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) introduced legislation to protect retired physicians working through the Medical Reserve Corps during an officially declared emergency. 

Waugh's bill would amend Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by providing civil immunity to these dedicated retired physicians.  The immunity exception does not apply to any intentionally harmful acts or omissions, or to any grossly negligent acts or omissions which result in harm to the person receiving care. 

"This legislation was suggested to me by the York-Adams-Carroll (Md.) Medical Reserve Corps, and seeing that our country is experiencing such a devastating and trying time in the Gulf Coast, I felt it a very appropriate and necessary time to introduce such legislation," said Waugh. 

In addition, September is National Preparedness Month, a time to promote public emergency preparedness by encouraging Americans to take simple steps in preparation for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.  The Medical Reserve Corps, which was created through a 2002 Executive Order issued by President Bush, plays an important part in the effort to boost emergency preparedness across the country. 

"Not only are these retired physicians providing medical care to people during an emergency, they're out there educating individuals throughout the nation on how they can prepare themselves for such emergencies," said Waugh.  "This legislation is for the physicians' protection, but it is just as much a 'thank you' for the service they provide to the American people."