AGD Joins Broad Coalition Calling on Congress to Provide COVID-19 Liability Protections
AGD and over 500 organizations sent a joint coalition letter to Congress on February 1, urging lawmakers to consider including targeted and temporary liability protections in the next COVID relief package. The letter points out that as the Biden Administration strives to reopen schools, protect our nation’s health and strengthen our economy, liability protections will help safeguard educational institutions, healthcare providers, businesses, and non-profit organizations from unfair lawsuits.
Congressional Republicans have championed the inclusion of a COVID-19 liability protection standard in prior relief package discussions. However, Congressional Democrats have been reluctant to offer compromises on this issue to date and appear to be advancing a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package proposal without bipartisan support. Many businesses and organizations hold that as they are working to comply with the Administration’s enhanced infection control measures and guidance, they should be assured that appropriate compliance will mitigate their risk of facing spurious liability claims.
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD is actively following the liability issue, as a wide range of exposure-related lawsuits could potentially be brought against a variety of businesses, including dental practices. The possibility of a patient, employee, or member of the public being exposed to COVID-19 in dental practices creates a litany of concerns related to liability if it results from a practices’ particular action or failure to act. At this time, ensuring good-faith efforts to employ best practices and follow official guidance is essential to mitigating concerns related to workplace exposure liability.
Congressional Republicans have championed the inclusion of a COVID-19 liability protection standard in prior relief package discussions. However, Congressional Democrats have been reluctant to offer compromises on this issue to date and appear to be advancing a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package proposal without bipartisan support. Many businesses and organizations hold that as they are working to comply with the Administration’s enhanced infection control measures and guidance, they should be assured that appropriate compliance will mitigate their risk of facing spurious liability claims.
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD is actively following the liability issue, as a wide range of exposure-related lawsuits could potentially be brought against a variety of businesses, including dental practices. The possibility of a patient, employee, or member of the public being exposed to COVID-19 in dental practices creates a litany of concerns related to liability if it results from a practices’ particular action or failure to act. At this time, ensuring good-faith efforts to employ best practices and follow official guidance is essential to mitigating concerns related to workplace exposure liability.