HF571: Health Care Free Speech

Gives health care providers and institutions the right not to participate in or pay for a health care service that violates the provider's or institution's conscience. Provides whistleblower protections for those taking action relating to a suspected violation.

Senate Amendment (H-8174): Amendment H-8174 does not replace HF 571’s core idea (protecting conscience-based refusals), but it refines definitions, clarifies limits, and adjusts legal processes and protections. Specifically: refines key terms like “conscience,” “health care service,” and who is covered; helps specify when protections apply and to whom; tweaks scope of refusal rights by adjusting how broadly providers can decline to participate in care and narrowing which activities count as protected refusals; modifies how lawsuits or claims can be brought under the bill; clarifies who can sue and what damages or relief are available; and refines whistleblower/free speech provision by adjusting protections for providers who speak out about practices or disclose information tied to conscience objections; updates wording and cross-references throughout the bill; and ensures the amended version is legally consistent.