Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes medical practitioners, health care institutions, and health care payors to refuse to participate in or provide for a health care service that violates their conscience.

Highlights:

• Defines key terms, including (Sec. 2): 

• “Conscience” as the ethical, moral, or religious beliefs or principles held by a medical practitioner or institution;

• Discrimination” as adverse actions, including penalties and termination, based on conscience; 

• Health care institution” as any entity involved in health care service; and

• “Medical practitioner” as a licensed health care professional, health plan, or management organization. 

• Authorizes that medical practitioners or health care institutions can decline to participate in or pay for health care services that violate their conscience. (Sec. 3). 

• Establishes immunity from civil, criminal, and administrative liability for practitioners and institutions who exercise in good faith based on conscience (Sec. 4).

• Prohibits discrimination against individuals who report violations or participate in legal proceedings and protects individuals who disclose concerns (Sec. 5). 

• Prohibits any licensing or certifying agency from penalizing individuals or entities for practicing free and protected speech unless it causes physical harm (Sec. 6).

• Authorizes the use of civil actions, including injunctions, damages, and attorney fees if there is a violation of rights and prohibits interference with these rights (Sec. 7).

• Specifies a clause of severability that states if any part of the law is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect (Sec. 8).

Full Bill Text