Advocates for nursing home residents say they worry a new Indiana law expanding COVID-19 liability protections for health care providers will effectively block many lawsuits over neglect and substandard treatment that weren't caused by the pandemic.

A bill that will give health care providers additional protections from COVID-19 liability lawsuits is on its way to the governors desk.

House Bill 1002 would broaden protections for medical providers beyond the legislation already signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in February.

Senate Bill 1 requires an individual wanting to file suit to show evidence of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Gov. Eric Holcombs signature is all that separates Hoosier businesses, health care systems and schools from COVID-19 liability protections.

Senate Bill 1 would limit legal action from Hoosiers against companies, hospitals, schools and other organizations for damages related to COVID-19. It's one of two COVID liability protection bills proposed this session.

Indiana businesses and institutions are one step closer to being protected from COVID-19 lawsuits. A House committee passed the bill but some still worry the protections go too far.

The bill would protect businesses, hospitals, schools and other institutions from being sued by an individual claiming to have been exposed to COVID-19 while on the premises.

Businesses could stand to lose billions of dollars from lawsuits related to COVID-19. The Indiana Chamber's top priority for the upcoming legislative session will be to provide businesses some protections.