Guidance to address liability in emergencies

Guidance to address liability in emergencies

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in Washington, DC, is accepting comments through May 31 on draft guidance clarifying the scope of medical liability coverage provided under the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) to federally supported health centers and their employees during emergencies.

The guidance applies to more than 3,800 federally supported community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless centers, and public housing primary care centers and their employees, who are immune under the FTCA from medical liability suits for actions within the scope of their project and employment. The agency said it developed the guidance in response to numerous requests to clarify the scope of FTCA coverage during emergencies. To see the draft guidance, go to bphc.hrsa.gov/draftsforcomment/ftcaemergency.htm.