Committee introduces Medical Ethics Defense Act (RS 31973) to protect conscience rights of health workers

Representative Bruce Scogg identified himself as the sponsor for RS 31973 and described it as the Medical Ethics Defense Act, saying it "protects the conscience rights of healthcare professionals and entities." He told the committee the bill would protect providers from being forced to participate in nonemergency procedures that violate "sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical beliefs."

Scogg said the bill also would protect providers from workplace discrimination for exercising conscience rights and would provide cause-of-action protections for providers who report violations. He described the measure as model legislation similar to laws adopted in other states and said stakeholders had been consulted, though not every party could be reached before print.

Committee members asked technical and fiscal questions. One lawmaker asked how the bill's potential private causes of action might affect state hospitals; an adviser said the House historically does not estimate hypothetical litigation costs in fiscal notes and that litigation has not materialized dramatically in other states with similar laws. Another member sought confirmation that the bill applies only to nonemergency care; Scogg said the bill allows routine conscience objections but requires providers to comply in actual emergencies and requires employees to submit objections in writing to employers.

The committee voted to introduce RS 31973. The motion carried with no recorded opposition on the transcript. Members asked that legal advisers be available at the next stage so the committee can review specific language and potential legal effects before substantive consideration.