Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes a health care provider to refuse to participate in certain health care services.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a health care provider to refuse to participate in a health care service that is against his or her religious, moral, or ethical principles if he or she has submitted a written objection agency at least 24 hours prior to being asked to perform the service (Secs. 3 & 4).

• Defines “health care provider” as an individual who may be asked to participate in a health care service in any way, including, but not limited to the following individuals (Sec. 3):
• Physician; 
• Nurse;     
• Pharmacist; 
• Researcher; or
• Social worker.

• Defines “health care service” as any phase of medical care, treatment, or procedure limited to the following (Sec. 3):
• Abortion;
• Human cloning;
• Human embryonic stem cell research; and
• Sterilization.

• Prohibits an individual, health care provider, public or private institution, public official, or board which certifies competency in medical or health care specialties from discriminating against a health care provider who declines to participate in a health care service (Secs. 2 & 4).

• Requires a health care provider to participate in health care services in a life-threatening situation until another health care provider becomes available to complete the health care service (Sec. 4).

• Exempts any hospital or other health care entity, and any associated individual, from being liable for damage caused by the refusal of a health care service (Sec. 4). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply health care institutions or employers licensed as abortion clinics (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text