IS 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1578 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES August 5, 2009 Mr. Leahy introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, (commonly referred to as the Federal Torts Claim Act) to extend medical malpractice coverage to free clinics and the officers, governing board members, employees, and contractors of free clinics in the same manner and extent as certain Federal officers and employees.

1.

Extension of medical malpractice coverage to free clinics

(a)

In General

Chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 2680 the following:

2681.

Medical malpractice coverage for free clinics

For purposes of applying the remedy against the United States provided by sections 1346(b) and 2672 of this title and for purposes of section 224 of Public Law 78–410 (42 U.S.C. 233) a free clinic defined under section 224(o)(3)(A) of that Act shall be treated as an entity described under section 224(g)(4) of that Act. The authorization of appropriations under section 224(o)(6)(A) of that Act shall apply to the acts or omissions of officers, governing board members, employees, and contractors of free clinics

. (b)

Technical and conforming amendments

(1)

Table of sections

The table of sections for chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 2681. Medical malpractice coverage for free clinics. . (2)

Reference

Section 224(g)(4) of the Public Law 78–410 (42 U.S.C. 233(g)(4)) is amended by inserting or a free clinic as provided under section 2681 of title 28, United States Code before the period.

2.

Effective date

The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and apply to any act or omission which occurs on or after that date.