U.S. Jurisdictions
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Liability laws answer the question of whether an individual will be held criminally, civilly, or professionally responsible for their actions if they injure another person or damage property. Although a statute or regulation can protect an individual from being held legally responsible, it does not prevent a person from filing a lawsuit. Immunity protects against legal proceedings. In some instances, a state or political subdivision will provide legal and monetary support for a volunteer throughout the legal process.
Workers’ compensation is given to employees or, in some states, volunteers when they are injured or killed during employment or volunteer work. When volunteers provide services outside of their home state, laws determine whether they are entitled to the workers’ compensation benefits of their own state or the requesting jurisdiction. Employment protections are another form of workers’ benefits. States often provide for the protection of an individual’s employment status (including wage, earned sick time, overtime, seniority, etc.) during the time an individual leaves their job to volunteer. Often, an individual only receives employment protections when they are formally deployed as part of an official organization (e.g., American Red Cross). In some jurisdictions, employers can ask for written verification of their employee’s volunteer status.
Scope of practice laws determine what tasks an individual can perform in accordance with their license, permit, or certification. Every state defines scope of practice differently. When an emergency is declared, states can decide whether the scope of practice will change. An individual who is licensed, permitted, or certified who provides assistance outside of their home state can have their scope of practice changed to match what a similarly licensed, permitted, or certified individual can do in the jurisdiction where they are providing their services.
Scope of practice laws determine what tasks an individual can perform in accordance with their license, permit, or certification. Every state defines scope of practice differently. When an emergency is declared, states can decide whether the scope of practice will change. An individual who is licensed, permitted, or certified who provides assistance outside of their home state can have their scope of practice changed to match what a similarly licensed, permitted, or certified individual can do in the jurisdiction where they are providing their services.