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What is the Physician Volunteer Program?
The Physician Volunteer Program is one component of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Volunteer Program. The unit consists of medical professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our community. 
The program is affiliated with the national Medical Reserve Corps, and is a registered Medical Reserve Corps Unit. Partnering with the Medical Reserve Corps gives the volunteer program national recognition; however, deployment outside our community is strictly voluntary.
The Chattanooga & Hamilton County Medical Society coordinates the medical component of the program. The Tennessee Physicians' Quality Verification Organization (TPQVO) provides credentialing information for the program.
Why was this program created?
The likelihood of Hamilton County having an emergency is not as remote as you might think. The physician volunteer may respond to incidences such as bombings, catastrophic fires, plane crashes, natural disasters (flood, tornado, earthquake, etc), chemical releases, major crashes on interstates, or large communicable disease outbreaks. The prompt placement of physician volunteers during an emergency is more efficient when physicians are recruited and placed in the volunteer database before an emergency occurs.
Is there a need for a public health Volunteer Program?
The first response to a disaster is the local response. With the help of community volunteers, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department and other local emergency response agencies will be better prepared to respond to emergencies.
What training do I need to be a volunteer?
Whenever possible, physician volunteers will provide care in the area of their expertise or specialty. For certain unusual diseases or events, additional training/information will be provided as needed.
How do I become a volunteer?
You will need to complete a registration form to become a volunteer. The registration form asks for contact information and other information that is needed for credentialing and privileging.
CLICK HERE FOR THE VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM
How will I be notified of an emergency?
On the registration form, you will complete a section for contact information. This section will ask for your work and home phone numbers, fax number, cell phone number, beeper number and an alternate emergency number. It is important that this information be accurate and current.
What about liability during a public health emergency?
Any physician who participates in a volunteer program for the State of Tennessee is immune from civil liability, which includes medical malpractice liability, for acts and omissions within the scope of their “employment” except for willful, malicious or criminal acts or omissions or for acts or omissions done for personal gain (Tennessee Code Annotated 8-42-101 and 63-6-218). Volunteers will also be covered under the Good Samaritan Law which provides immunity from civil damages as a result of any act or omission by such person in rendering the emergency care, or as a result of any act or failure to act to provide or arrange for further medical treatment or care for the injured person except such damages as may result from the gross negligence of the person rendering such emergency care.
Senate Bill 2705 and House Bill 2526 have been codified as Public Chapter 560 in April, 2006. It provides the Governor of Tennessee, in a declared emergency, the authority to provide limited liability protection to health care providers and facilities who deliver health care services except in instances of gross negligence or willful misconduct. |