(Reviewed April 2007)
The Wisconsin Chapter of the AAP does not give specific legal advice.
However, here are some programs available for liability coverage for volunteer work and links to more information.
1) Part time insurance is often available from malpractice insurance providers. This is usually relatively inexpensive.
2) Many private and publically funded volunteer organizations provide appropriate liability coverage for their volunteers.
3) TheWisconsin Volunteer Health Care Provider Program, which makes one an agent of the state for liability purposes. For more information, see VolunteerPhysicians.pdf
4) There is also a similar federal malpractice insurance for volunteer physicians. Below is a link to the press release about the program and to the web page containing more detailed information and an application form. The materials contain a telephone number that one can use to find out more information.
http://newsroom.hrsa.gov/releases/2004/FTCA.htm
http://www.bphc.hrsa.gov/freeclinicsftca/application.htm
5) In Wisconsin there is liability coverage for health care volunteers during Governor-declared emergengies. http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/lc_act/act096-ab385.pdf
6) Good Samaritan Laws, of course, are in place in all states.
7) An AAP look at volunteering during disasters
8) Team physician liability protection beyond that offered by the Good Samaritan laws is
provided under Wis. Stats. 895.49(1m). Physicians who render volunteer health care to a
participant in an athletic event or contest that is sponsored by a nonprofit corporation,
a private school, a public agency or a school may be immune from civil liability for acts
or omissions in rendering that care. To be protected, certain conditions must be met so we
recommend that volunteer team physicians contact the Wisconsin Medical Society for further
information.
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