Volunteer Health Services Program applications sought
by Wyoming Department of Health
October 23, 2019
Providers and facilities interested in offering volunteer healthcare services to low-income patients are invited to take advantage of a special legal liability option offered by the Wyoming Volunteer Health Services Program.
The program allows licensed healthcare providers and medical facilities to provide volunteer services for low-income Wyoming residents while being protected from liability for medical negligence under the state’s sovereign immunity.
By entering into a contract with the state, volunteer providers are deemed public employees and facilities are deemed state medical facilities for purposes of what’s known as the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act. Any malpractice claim arising from uncompensated services rendered to eligible patients would be defended and paid by the state under the Governmental Claims Act.
Any healthcare provider, including physicians, dentists, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, psychiatrists and psychologists, who is licensed or certified by Wyoming law is eligible to enter into a contract under the program. Eligible facilities include hospitals, clinics, medical offices and nursing homes.
Services provided under the program are intended for low-income persons. An eligible patient:
- Has income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
- Is not covered under a health insurance or healthcare policy, contract or plan
- Is covered under a health insurance or healthcare policy, contract or plan, but was denied coverage by the policy, contract or plan
Eligibility is determined by volunteer providers or facilities based on information from patients.
More information and important forms can be found on the Wyoming Department of Health website at https://health.wyo.gov/admin/wyomings-volunteer-health-services-program/.
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