The proposed bill, known as the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," establishes the rights of health care providers, institutions, and payers to refuse participation in or payment for health care services that conflict with their conscience, which is defined as their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. It prohibits discrimination against these entities for exercising their right to refuse services based on conscience and outlines specific protections against adverse actions, including licensing repercussions. The bill also mandates that religious-based health care organizations can make decisions aligned with their beliefs and requires health care payers to file annual reports detailing any services they will not cover based on conscience.

Additionally, the bill provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for health care providers, institutions, and payers exercising their right of conscience. It allows for civil actions to be brought against any violations of the act and specifies that the act will apply to health care services and payment obligations arising on or after July 1, 2025. The bill also includes provisions for rulemaking by the departments of insurance and health to ensure its implementation.