Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 932

Bill Title: Civil Actions - Immunity from Civil Liability - Health Care Providers

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Gladden

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: JPR

Bill Summary: This bill would have granted immunity from civil liability to a health care provider that detained or caused the arrest of an individual if the provider had probable cause to believe that the individual committed theft of property containing personal information.

History: Merchants have similar immunity from civil liability when detaining an individual for probable cause of theft. In 2010 SB 932 died in the Judicial Proceedings Committee without a vote.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: Health care providers have significant amounts of equipment and data of personal information that must be safeguarded. The theft of such personal information would cause a security breach and threaten the identity theft of thousands of Maryland residents. It is reasonable to allow health care providers immunity from civil liability when detaining persons with probable cause of having committed theft, just as merchants have similar authority.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.