JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Legislature has overridden a veto of legislation seeking to shield volunteer health care providers from lawsuits - though it took two tries in the House.
An initial House override vote fell short. The chamber later reconsidered and approved an override 109-52. Senators voted to override 25-9 on Wednesday.
The measure will prevent civil damages against the volunteers unless there was a gross deviation from the ordinary standard of care or willful misconduct.
Supporters contend the bill would let doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others provide free health care for sponsoring organizations by protecting them against claims.
Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed the legislation and said allowing coverage through the State Legal Expense Fund would encourage volunteerism and protect those who have been harmed.
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Health care lawsuits is SB129