MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Judiciary, Division B
By: Senator(s) Walls
AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT REFUSAL TO RENDER NECESSARY MEDICAL CARE TO AN ELECTED OFFICIAL OR HIS FAMILY, EMPLOYEES OR EMPLOYEES' FAMILIES SHALL BE A MISDEMEANOR UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) A medical provider shall be guilty of a misdemeanor who refuses or threatens to refuse necessary medical care to an elected official, employee of an elected official, family member of an elected official, or family member of an elected official's employee based on the elected official's public position or vote on a political issue when there is no medically justifiable reason for refusal of medical care and no economic inability to pay on the part of the person being refused treatment.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "medical provider" means a hospital, clinic, institution for aged or infirm, physician, osteopath, dentist, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, psychologist, podiatrist, optometrist, chiropractor, pharmacist or pharmacy.
(3) A person found guilty of a misdemeanor under this section shall be punished by a fine not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.