Liability Limitation for Volunteer Services

ORS 676.340-676.345 provides a program to limit the liability of Oregon licensed physicians (MD/DO/DPM), physician assistants, acupuncturists, and certain other health care practitioners who provide services without compensation.

Oregon Medical Board licensees may register for the program when renewing their professional license or by submitting a registration form (English / Spanish) to the Board. There is no charge to register. Registration must be renewed with each license renewal. Participating practitioners are responsible for updating their own registration.

Health care practitioners must meet the following conditions to qualify for the liability limitation; however, the limitation does not apply in cases of gross negligence:

The physician, physician assistant, or acupuncturist is registered with the Oregon Medical Board as a provider of health care services without compensation who wishes to claim the liability limitation provided by ORS 676.340 and 676.345.
The patient, or a person who has authority under law to make decisions for the patient, signs a statement notifying the patient that the health care services are provided without compensation and that the practitioner is liable only to the extent provided by the law. This Notification of Health Care Services Provided Without Compensation and Limitation of Liability form must be signed prior to receiving the services.
The practitioner receives the informed consent of the patient, or the person who has authority under law to make health care decisions for the patient, prior to providing the health care services.
The practitioner provides health care services without compensation, except for reimbursement for laboratory fees, testing services, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Notification of Health Care Services Provided Without Compensation and Limitation of Liability Form (English)

Notification of Health Care Services Provided Without Compensation and Limitation of Liability Form (Spanish)

The Liability Limitation for Volunteer Services Program is not a substitute for insurance coverage; rather Oregon law (ORS 676.340-676.345) limits the liability for health practitioners who meet the requirements of the program. Under the program, health practitioners are not liable for any injury, death, or other loss arising out of the provision of those services, unless the injury, death, or other loss results from the gross negligence of the health provider.

If you have any questions, please contact the Oregon Medical Board at licensing@omb.oregon.gov or 971-673-2700.