Gov. Pence signs health shield law

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Health professionals who volunteer their services in Indiana are about to be protected from being sued.

Governor Mike Pence was at the Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis Tuesday morning where he signed the bill into law.

The law protects physicians, physician assistants, advanced nurses, podiatrists, and optometrists who volunteer their time to give basic treatments to those who would otherwise not have access to healthcare.

“Because of this bill, Hoosier healthcare professionals will be able to be confident and even encouraged to volunteer their expertise to the underserved communities all across our state,” said Pence.

The new law includes protection for volunteers who provide services such as sports physicals, routine medical, eye, and dental exams and suturing of minor lacerations,

It takes effect on July 1.