Georgia Governor Limits Legal Liability Of Hospitals, Staff During Pandemic

Gov. Brian Kemp has used his emergency powers to protect Georgia’s strained hospitals and medical workers from lawsuits related to the care they provide during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hospital lobbyists thanked the governor for the executive order, signed Tuesday, but others are questioning whether the governor has gone too far.

The order designates hospitals and front-line medical workers “auxiliary emergency management workers” and provides them immunity from personal injury lawsuits during the crisis should a patient be injured or die under their care.

Kemp says the order provides necessary protections to healthcare workers in the state.

“As healthcare facilities battle COVID-19 in communities across Georgia, they face incredible challenges. Healthcare workers are making personal sacrifices to provide critical care to patients in need and save lives. These Georgians — some coming out of retirement or reentering the workforce just to lend a helping hand — are true heroes among us. I’m proud to support them,” he said.