On August 17, 2020, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act into law. The Act provides expansive protection to individuals and businesses from claims arising from COVID-19 unless there is clear and convincing evidence of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Health care professionals and facilities, businesses, non-profits, religious organizations, public institutions of higher learning, and all other individuals and legal entities are protected from liability under the Act.
Recent clarifications by Arizona state officials seemingly relaxed restrictions for certain physician practices adhering to the March 21, 2020 executive order prohibiting all non-essential or elective surgeries. Such direction from the governor’s office should give physician groups much needed relief in continuing certain elective procedures, such as those related to pain management services, in outpatient settings.