I want to take this opportunity to commend the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Mr. Bilirakis, the Chairman of the full Committee, Mr. Bliley, and the author of the bill, Mr. Stearns, for their work in bringing this legislation to the Floor. This legislation has 130 cosponsors, including 13 Democratic members of the Committee on Commerce. It is also supported by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and the Administration. Mr. Speaker, testimony before the Committee showed that returning the heart to its normal rhythm quickly is the single most important thing needed to improve the chance of survival from cardiac arrest.
Defibrillation clearly saves lives.
The bill's liability protections do not apply if the harm was caused by a person's conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the victim. Nor does it apply if it is being used by a doctor or nurse or other licensed professional in their scope of employment, or if it is being used by a hospital or other health care entity. Certain other limited exceptions apply. As reported by the Committee on Commerce, H.R. 2498 is consistent with legislation which passed the Senate by unanimous consent last year. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this legislation.