Liability Coverage
- Federal Volunteer Protection Act
The Act provides civil liability protection for non-profit or government volunteers if the volunteer was acting within the scope of his/her responsibility, they were properly licensed, certified or authorized to engage in the activity or practice (if required by the state in which the damage occurred) and those activities were within the scope of the volunteer's responsibility. It also requires that the harm not be caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct or a "conscious, flagrant indifference" to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer.
- Federal Tort Claims Act
The FTCA provides immunity to volunteer physicians. It does require a 27-page credentialing process for each provider so we recommend that free clinics enlist the help of your local hospital’s Medical Staff Office in this credentialing process.
- Michigan Good Samaritan Law
Section 16277 of the Michigan Public Health Code, January 1, 2002, provides immunity for volunteer licensed health professionals, including physicians, in free clinics. Also covers specialists who receive referrals to their office from free clinics. The clinic must have patients sign a release.