Missouri Governor Favors Bill Shielding Health Care Providers, First Responders From Virus-Related Lawsuits

Gov. Mike Parson is signaling his support for a proposal that could shield nursing homes and long-term care facilities from lawsuits linked to the coronavirus response. Under legislation awaiting debate in the Missouri House, health care providers who treat people with COVID-19 would not be liable for civil damages if something were to go wrong.

Rep. Dan Houx, R-Warrensburg, is sponsoring the provision, which is now contained in Senate Bill 662. The language would not only apply to nursing homes, but all caregivers and first responders.

“During this unprecedented time we want to make sure the people on the front line are protected against liability,” Houx told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday.

The push for protection in Missouri is part of a nationwide campaign by nursing homes, which have been upended by the spread of the virus.

The industry contends this coronavirus was an unprecedented crisis and nursing homes should not be liable for events beyond their control, such as shortages of personal protective equipment and testing, shifting directives from authorities, and sicknesses that have decimated staffs.