A bill for an act relating to protections for medical practitioners, health care institutions, and health care payors including those related to the exercise of conscience, whistleblower activities, and free speech, and providing penalties.

HSB 139, the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," protects medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, and health care payors who refuse services based on conscience (e.g., religious or ethical beliefs). It prohibits discrimination against them for such refusals, requires health care payors to cover services they’re contractually obligated to pay for, and provides immunity from civil/criminal liability for exercising conscience. The bill also shields whistleblowers who report violations of these protections to authorities like the attorney general or federal agencies. It directly affects healthcare providers, insurers, and facilities by allowing conscience-based refusal of services while maintaining emergency care obligations. The law does not override existing duties to provide emergency care under federal law.