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Bill

Bill

HB 1168

TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL IMMUNITY FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FOR NEGLIGENT ACTS OR OMISSIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Johnson

Withdrawn Arkansas bill would have shielded healthcare professionals from criminal prosecution for negligent medical acts, raising accountability and patient safety concerns.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1168

Legislative bill overview

HB 1168 would have granted criminal immunity to healthcare professionals for negligent acts or omissions in the course of their duties. The bill was introduced in the Arkansas House but was withdrawn by its author on January 28, 2025, before advancing through committee review.

Why is this important

Criminal immunity for healthcare workers fundamentally alters accountability structures in medical practice. Such protections could affect patient safety oversight, professional liability standards, and the ability of the justice system to address serious medical misconduct or negligence that causes patient harm.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient protection vs. professional liability: Balancing healthcare worker protections against patients' right to legal recourse for medical negligence and harm
  • Scope definition: What constitutes "negligent acts or omissions" is vague and could encompass serious misconduct depending on interpretation
  • Public trust and accountability: Broad immunity may reduce professional accountability mechanisms and discourage incident reporting systems that improve patient safety
  • Distinction from intentional misconduct: Unclear whether immunity covers only negligence or extends to recklessness or intentional harmful acts

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

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