BOSTON – On April 17, Representative Lombardo along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate passed legislation to shield those providing critical health care services from legal liability for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.

Representative Lombardo said “It was important, while our healthcare workers are on the front lines saving lives, that the legislature acted to ensure workers had the protections they needed so they can do their jobs to the best of their abilities with one less worry. I’m so grateful to all our healthcare professionals and everyone who is working so hard to serve the public during these difficult times.“

Under the legislation, health care professionals, facilities and volunteer organizations assisting in the state’s efforts to respond and treat COVID-19 would be protected from suit and civil liability for alleged damages related to the virus. Health care facilities and professionals would still be subject to consumer complaints brought by the Attorney General and protections would not extend to acts of negligence, recklessness, or intent to harm or acts of discrimination.  These protections would apply retroactively to March 10, 2020, and remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency.

The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has been signed by the Governor.

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