Introduced
by
To establish in statute the right of a health facility to assert as a matter of conscience, on ethical, moral, or religious grounds, an objection to providing or participating in a health care procedure (such as abortion). A facility claiming this “conscientious objector” status could not be subjected to civil, criminal, or administrative liability for refusing to perform the objectionable procedure, or discriminated against in the awarding of grants, contracts, etc. which do not require the procedure. (Note: State law already prohibits using tax dollars for abortions.) This immunity would not apply in cases involving a disagreement with a health care professional about the medical appropriateness of a certain procedure which is routinely done by the facility.
Referred to the Committee on Health Policy
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Substitute offered
To replace the previous version of the bill with one containing technical changes that do not affect its substance as previously described.
The substitute passed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To strike out a provision authorizing conscientious objector status based on "professional" grounds, rather than on ethical, moral, or religious grounds.
The amendment passed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To clarify tha the bill does not authorize withholding treatement needed immediately to avert serious injury, harm, impairment, or death.
The amendment passed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To clarify that the bill does not relieve a health care facility from a duty that exists under law requiring acceptable health care practice and procedures.
The amendment passed by voice vote
Passed in the House 72 to 32 (details)
Referred to the Committee on Health Policy
