Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Medical Care Equity Act

Deduction for qualified charity care

(a)

In general

Part VI of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

199B.

Qualified charity care

(a)

In general

There shall be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year an amount equal to the unreimbursed Medicare-based value of qualified charity care furnished by such taxpayer during such taxable year. (b)

Definitions

For purposes of this section— (1)

Unreimbursed Medicare-based value

The term unreimbursed Medicare-based value means, with respect to physicians’ services, the amount that would be payable for such services under the physician fee schedule established under section 1848 of the Social Security Act if such services were furnished to an individual entitled to benefits under part A of title XVIII or enrolled under part B of such title, as applicable. (2)

Qualified charity care

The term qualified charity care means physicians’ services that are furnished without expectation of reimbursement, including medical screenings and necessary stabilizing treatment for emergency medical conditions and labor provided under section 1867 of the Social Security Act. (3)

Physicians’ services

The term physicians’ services has the meaning given such term by section 1861(q) of the Social Security Act. (c)

Limitation

The amount allowed as a deduction under subsection (a) for a taxable year shall not exceed so much of the the gross income of the taxpayer as is attributable to physicians’ services furnished by such taxpayer during the taxable year. (d)

Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section, including regulations establishing such documentation as the Secretary determines necessary to substantiate the provision of qualified charity care by a taxpayer.

(b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections for part VI of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Sec. 199B. Qualified charity care.

(c)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after January 1, 2023.

Limitation on liability for volunteer health care professionals

(a)

In general

Title II of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 202 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 224 the following:

224A.

Limitation on liability for volunteer health care professionals

(a)

Limitation on liability

A physician shall not be liable under Federal or State law in any civil action for any harm caused by an act or omission of such physician, or attending medical personnel supporting such physician, if such act or omission— (1)occurs in the course of furnishing qualified charity care (as such term is defined in section 199B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986); and (2)was not grossly negligent. (b)

Preemption

This section preempts the laws of a State or any political subdivision of a State to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with this section, unless such laws provide greater protection from liability for a defendant. (c)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Physician

The term physician has the meaning given such term by section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act. (2)

Attending medical personnel

The term attending medical personnel means an individual who is licensed to directly support a physician in furnishing medical services.

(b)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to any claim filed to the extent that it is with respect to acts or omissions occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act.