State Rep. Ben Frederick today issued the following statement after the Governor’s veto of legislation providing protection from excessive lawsuits for healthcare and frontline workers battling the pandemic.

“I am deeply disappointed in the governor’s decision to veto a measure that would have provided critical legal protections for health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan.

“Doctors and other health care professionals have been forced to make incredibly difficult decisions while caring for patients under strained circumstances due to the coronavirus. The plan vetoed by the governor this week would have protected them from unwarranted COVID-19 lawsuits, ensuring they can focus their time and energy on providing the best care possible to patients. 

“The measure also protected patients by ensuring that medical personnel would continue to be held liable in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence or intentional infliction of harm.

“This legislation closely reflected the medical liability protections the governor previously included in her executive orders, which she rescinded on July 13, while also extending those protections to the beginning of this unfolding situation and throughout the pandemic. 

 “This veto is completely unwarranted as we look to show support for our frontline heroes.” 

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