FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indiana State Medical Association Supports COVID-19 ‘Hazard Pay’ for Health Care Workers

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Medical Association, the largest physician organization in the state, is aware of discussions at the federal level about potential hazardous duty pay for doctors and other health care professionals working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the heightened risk of exposure to COVID-19, ISMA is concerned about the additional personal expenses that health care workers incur so they can continue in their duties. Many have had to pay for other lodging to prevent exposing their loved ones to the novel coronavirus and to pay for child care, because of school closures.

“While many questions remain about what qualifies a physician for COVID-19 hazardous duty pay, and how it would be implemented, the ISMA supports the idea in principle for physicians working on the front lines of this public health emergency,” said ISMA Executive Vice President Julie Reed, JD.

“The shortage of personal protective equipment for physicians is making the treatment of COVID-19 patients that much more dangerous, and difficult to prevent their own infection. We look forward to the continued discussions about hazard pay for our health care heroes who are putting themselves and their families at tremendous risk.”

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About ISMA:
With 8,500 members, the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) is the largest physician organization in the state and is dedicated to maximizing physician impact. Learn more about ISMA by visiting ISMA's website or following ISMA on Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contact:
Steve Cooke
scooke@ismanet.org
(317) 627-9955