Committee approves limited liability protection for nonprofits that donate medical supplies
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Summary
HB 16 would limit civil liability for nonprofits that donate medical equipment and supplies; the committee reported the bill favorably after testimony from New Orleans Medical Missions about community need.
Representative (name given in transcript as) Schlegel presented HB 16 to create a limitation of liability for nonprofit organizations that donate medical equipment and supplies to people in need. The bill aligns liability protections for donated medical goods with existing limited-liability protections for nonprofits providing gratuitous services.
Jennifer Eessler of New Orleans Medical Missions testified the nonprofit distributes donated hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers and unused medical supplies to underserved residents and partner organizations, including a Salvation Army step-down unit and organizations serving people with serious disabilities. She said the organization operates with volunteers, fundraising and grants and asked the committee to approve liability limits so the group can continue donating without risk of crippling litigation.
Representative Walberdeen moved to report HB 16 favorably; the committee agreed with no recorded objection and the bill was reported favorably.
Votes at a glance: HB 16 reported favorably.