If the facility experiences staffing shortages and/or patient surge conditions due to a disaster situation, a representative of the healthcare facility should first submit the request for staffing assistance to the local Emergency Management Agency. The request should be specific, indicating the number of staff needed, specific expertise needed, and the estimated number of days the assistance will be required. From the local Emergency Management Agency, the request will be channeled to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency where public health officials will use the MRMS system to generate a list of qualified and credentialed volunteers. Those individuals listed will be contacted by the state through the MRMS and provided with the opportunity to volunteer for deployment. The individuals will be provided with information regarding the event (including where to report) and will be given the opportunity to accept or decline service as a volunteer. The requesting healthcare facility will be provided with an update from the state regarding the status of the request, including the number of volunteers responding and estimated date and time of arrival. Liability Protections for Volunteers Volunteer immunity is available for good faith acts associated with volunteer services. However, there is no immunity for acts or omissions that are intentional, willful, wanton, reckless, or grossly negligent (Miss. Code Ann. § 95-9-1). An unpaid volunteer acting on behalf of MSDH is afforded coverage under the Tort Claims Act. Op.Atty.Gen. No. 2002-0144, Conerly, March 29, 2002. State/political subdivision employees/agents receive some liability protections during a declared emergency (Miss. Code Ann. § 35-15-21). References The Mississippi State Department of Health Responder Management System website:
If the facility experiences staffing shortages and/or patient surge conditions due to a disaster situation, a representative of the healthcare facility should first submit the request for staffing assistance to the local Emergency Management Agency. The request should be specific, indicating the number of staff needed, specific expertise needed, and the estimated number of days the assistance will be required. From the local Emergency Management Agency, the request will be channeled to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency where public health officials will use the MRMS system to generate a list of qualified and credentialed volunteers. Those individuals listed will be contacted by the state through the MRMS and provided with the opportunity to volunteer for deployment. The individuals will be provided with information regarding the event (including where to report) and will be given the opportunity to accept or decline service as a volunteer. The requesting healthcare facility will be provided with an update from the state regarding the status of the request, including the number of volunteers responding and estimated date and time of arrival. Liability Protections for Volunteers Volunteer immunity is available for good faith acts associated with volunteer services. However, there is no immunity for acts or omissions that are intentional, willful, wanton, reckless, or grossly negligent (Miss. Code Ann. § 95-9-1). An unpaid volunteer acting on behalf of MSDH is afforded coverage under the Tort Claims Act. Op.Atty.Gen. No. 2002-0144, Conerly, March 29, 2002. State/political subdivision employees/agents receive some liability protections during a declared emergency (Miss. Code Ann. § 35-15-21). References The Mississippi State Department of Health Responder Management System website: