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H.R.3586 / 112th Congress

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2011

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Dec 7, 2011

Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that a health care professional shall not be liable under federal or state law for harm caused by any act or omission if: (1) the professional is serving as a volunteer for purposes of responding to a disaster; and (2) the act or omission occurs during the period of the disaster, in the professional's capacity as such a volunteer, and in a good faith belief that the individual being treated is in need of health care services.

Makes exceptions where: (1) the harm was caused by an act or omission constituting willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed; or (2) the professional rendered the health care services under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or an intoxicating drug.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6] · R–FL

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
21 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Introduced in House

  6. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.3586 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Institutions and government scope

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Individual rights and government power

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