093_HR0370
LRB093 12035 HSS 16800 r
1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, Because of the aftermath of the September 11,
3 2001 tragedy, there has been an increased awareness of the
4 vulnerability of any nation or State to a public health
5 emergency; and
6 WHEREAS, A public health emergency is an occurrence or
7 imminent threat of an illness or health condition that is
8 believed to be caused by any of the following: bioterrorism;
9 the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or
10 eradicated infectious agent or biological toxin; a natural
11 disaster; a chemical attack or accidental release; a nuclear
12 attack or accident; or an act of war; and
13 WHEREAS, Persons, including medical professionals, may
14 have no legal duty to respond to a public health emergency;
15 and
16 WHEREAS, Local volunteer groups of medical professionals
17 can be valuable resources that may supplement existing local
18 emergency response units by developing community-based plans
19 for dealing with crises, providing organizational skills, and
20 treating the least seriously injured or sickened persons in
21 the case of a public health emergency; and
22 WHEREAS, Many professionals will still render care at the
23 scene of a public health emergency gratuitously and in good
24 faith; therefore, be it
25 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
26 NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
27 we urge the General Assembly to explore supporting and
28 protecting good samaritan responders to public health
29 emergencies.