WeVote

Bill

Bill

HR 6167

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a deduction for certain charity care furnished by physicians, to amend the Public Health Safety Act to limit the liability of physicians providing certain charity care, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Rick Allen and 4 co-sponsors

Bill allows physicians tax deductions for uncompensated charity care and provides liability protections to encourage doctors to serve uninsured patients.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 6167

Legislative bill overview

HR 6167 amends tax and healthcare law to allow physicians a tax deduction for uncompensated charity care they provide and shields them from liability when furnishing such care. The bill addresses both the financial burden on doctors offering free services and potential legal risks they face.

Why is this important

Charity care by physicians helps uninsured and underinsured patients access medical services, but doctors absorb significant costs and face lawsuit exposure. This bill attempts to incentivize charitable medical work by making it tax-deductible and legally safer, potentially expanding access to healthcare for vulnerable populations while reducing provider burden.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax revenue impact: The deduction could reduce federal tax revenue, raising questions about cost-effectiveness compared to other healthcare access solutions and whether wealthy physicians benefit disproportionately
  • Liability shield scope: Defining which charity care qualifies for liability protection and ensuring it doesn't create loopholes that shield negligence or reduce patient protections
  • Alternative approaches: Whether tax incentives and liability limits are the most efficient mechanisms, or if direct government funding or insurance reform would better address healthcare access gaps

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.