Action Update

Update on Immunity

September 15, 2020

In July, Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, introduced the Safe to Work Act, which he stated must be included as part of any additional COVID-19 relief legislation.  The Act would grant nursing homes immunity from civil liability for virtually all COVID-related care that harms, or even kills, nursing home residents until 2024.  COVID-related care is defined very broadly to mean that COVID has impacted the facility.  Consumer Voice, along with other advocates for nursing home residents, sent a letter to Congressional leadership expressing opposition to the bill.  Additionally, 1,344 of you  responded to Consumer Voice’s action alert by contacting your Congressmembers to express your opposition to the bill. 

In August, negotiations on proposed COVID-19 relief legislation stalled.  However, on September 8, 2020, Senator McConnell introduced a new “skinny” COVID-19 relief bill, which incorporated the Safe to Work Act in its entirety.  On September 10, 2020, the new “skinny” bill failed to advance in the Senate.   It is now unclear whether Congress will pass any COVID-19 relief legislation.  

Read our issue brief on immunity, and why it would be devastating for nursing home residents.  We will continue to monitor any developments around immunity for nursing homes and update you when we have more information.