FRANKFORT, KY – The Family Foundation applauds Senator Donald Douglas, the bill’s sponsor, and the Senate chamber for the passage of Senate Bill 132, the Healthcare Heroes Recruitment and Retention Act. The Foundation also thanks Senator Stephen Meredith for his work on this important issue for many years. SB 132 passed 26-6 and now heads to the Kentucky House. This is the second straight session that the Kentucky Senate has overwhelmingly passed the legislation.
In the face of a worsening shortage of healthcare workers and increasing on-the-job discrimination because of religious beliefs, SB 132 provides important rights of conscience for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals that will help recruit and retain healthcare workers in Kentucky. SB 239 also enhances the quality of health care by protecting freedom of speech and discussions on patient safety for healthcare professionals.
Statement from David Walls, Executive Director of The Family Foundation:
“SB 132 is a much-needed bill to protect the conscience rights of doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners that will ensure medical professionals are never forced to violate their oath to “Do No Harm.” No Kentuckian, especially our frontline healthcare workers, should be forced to choose between their faith and their profession.
“We are thankful for the leadership of Sen. Douglas and the Kentucky Senate to help protect the foundational rights of conscience and free speech so our medical professionals can serve the people of Kentucky. We strongly urge the Kentucky House to pass this critically important legislation,” Walls concluded.
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The Family Foundation is the leading Christian public policy organization in Kentucky and stands for Kentucky families and the Biblical values that make them strong. Learn more at kentuckyfamily.org.
