Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued two executive orders on Tuesday to protect first responders and healthcare workers who are on the frontline in the coronavirus pandemic.
One order allows first responders and healthcare workers to be eligible for workers compensation if they can demonstrate a causal connection between their diagnosis and exposure of COVID-19 as a result of their employment or occupation.
“It’s hard to believe, but right now a contagious disease or virus cannot be used to file a workers compensation claim unless it is in a hospital environment or sanitarium,” Gov. Hutchinson said, “so this [executive order] helps our firefighters and first responders.”
The second executive order makes professionals in the health industry immune from liability in cases involving the coronavirus. Physicians, physician assistants, specialist assistants, nurse practitioners, licensed registered nurses and licensed practical nurses will be protected.
“We don’t want them to worry about them performing their responsibilities in emergency circumstances about being sued,” Gov. Hutchinson explained.
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