SB 368 - Good Samaritan Laws
BySB 368, sponsored by Senator Ron Erickson (D-Missoula) was heard Tuesday, March 10th before the House Judiciary committee. SB 368, titled “Good Samaritan Law for Retired Doctors” limits the liability on doctors, dentists and dental hygienists who provide medical services to community based health programs, without compensation.
According to Senator Erickson, “This bill simply allows for those who volunteer their medical services, free of charge to the community to be protected through law from liability claims.”
In light of the health care crisis in America, more and more individuals rely upon community-based health care. Yet, increased numbers of patients seeking health care also requires increased numbers medical providers. Since community health centers work under tight budget constraints, the assistance of retired medical professionals is highly valued in community medicine. SB 368 simply looks to ensure that those retired professionals who provide medical services, for free of charge in the community have the legal guarantees of liability coverage for their service.
SB 368 received strong support in the Senate, passing by a vote of 48 to 0. Once it receives a vote in the House we’ll be certain to update the site.
"I think that it’s going to all work out, with the changes that we have agreed to. It’s not as much (spending for some programs) as I would’ve hoped, but apparently it’s more than other people wanted. As usual, we are trying to find the middle.” 
"[On term limits:] You empower the executive, you empower the lobbyists and that's not good for the system because then we lose what the citizen Legislature brings.” 