Malpractice and Licensure
Many clinicians are concerned about malpractice while providing charity care. In fact, the history of litigation for malpractice in Free Clinics has been extremely low. Charitable immunity legislation adopted in 43 states has greatly reduced the risk of being sued when volunteering in a Free Clinic. (see "State Laws Providing Reduced Malpractice Liability Exposure" below) Some states such as Virginia have an expansive Good Samaritan law to cover Free Clinic volunteer work. Both Florida and Georgia provides their states' sovereign immunity to clinicians caring for the uninsured. An insurance carrier in one state (North Carolina) offers coverage to qualified retired clinicians serving in Free Clinics for as little as $100 per year. Also, some clinics provide malpractice coverage for their volunteers through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
State Licensure:
Many clinicians relinquish or let their state medical licenses become inactive upon retiring, either because of licensure costs or the requirement and cost of associated continuing medical education. For clinicians that have relocated to another state on a part- or full-time basis upon retiring, obtaining a full license to practice in their new state can be particularly costly and time consuming.
As many as 25 states have some form of "Limited Volunteer License" to facilitate volunteerism among retired health professionals. Volunteer licensees are particularly attractive to retired clinicians since they usually cost less, have fewer CME requirements than active full time licenses, and the application process is easier.
Malpractice & Licensure In North Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Georgia
Other States
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