|
Abstract: In 2005, general states of emergency were declared in dozens of local communities, at least five states, and by the federal government due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. During these states of emergency, government officials and private sector entities relied on thousands of volunteer health professionals (VHPs) to meet patient surge capacity and provide needed medical expertise. However, VHP participation in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was affected by a series of legal questions, including: what constitutes an “emergency” to authorize the deployment of VHPs; when may VHPs who are licensed in one state legally practice their profession in another state; and when may VHPs face civil liability for their actions during emergencies. As this article discusses, these and other legal issues pervaded the deployment of VHPs in the Gulf Coast region and, in some cases, inhibited more extensive use of their services.
|