A measure that will extend the duration of liability protections from COVID-19-related claims against health care providers has been recently approved by the Florida House of Representatives.
It will cover the extension of COVID-19 legal protections for hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers.
"To just have a blanket extension on any kind of bad medical care that may be given, and just say, ‘Well, it’s the pandemic and you can kind of get away with anything you want to,’ that’s not a good approach," Rep. Joseph Geller (D-Aventura) said, according to Fox 13.
The House voted 87-31 to pass the legislation, and it will now head to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' (R) desk, according to Fox 13.
If the governor signs it, the bill will extend the protections to June 1, 2023.
Health care providers may be protected from charges if they can offer "affirmative" defenses, including compliance with government-issued health standards, but it will not safeguard those providers who commit gross negligence.
