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Guam Legislature advances bill expanding Good Samaritan immunity to ambulance transport and bystanders
Summary
Legislators voted to move Bill 76-38 to third reading after debate and on‑the‑floor amendments to clarify that immunity applies only when emergency care is provided in good faith and without compensation; lawmakers discussed scope for private transport, obstetrical care and existing Guam statute protections.
Speaker Frank Blasch, the bill’s author, moved Wednesday to place Bill 76-38 — a proposal “to add a new subsection 2104.1 to article 1, part 1, chapter 2, title 20, Guam Code Annotated relative to emergency care immunity from liability” — on the third‑reading file and opened floor discussion. The measure would expand civil immunity for people who render emergency medical assistance in good faith, including bystanders, CPR‑trained individuals and emergency responders, and would explicitly extend protections during transport to medical facilities.
Why it matters: Supporters said the change reduces hesitation to offer life‑saving aid and fills a gap they say exists in local law for care rendered while a patient is in transit. Opponents and some agency witnesses cautioned the bill’s language could unintentionally shield regulated private companies or medical providers who operate for pay.
On the floor, Blasch said the bill “provides…
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