The proposed bill, known as the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," establishes the rights of health care professionals, institutions, and payers to refuse participation in or payment for health care services that conflict with their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs, referred to as "conscience." It prohibits discrimination against these entities for exercising their right of conscience and outlines protections against adverse actions, including licensing repercussions, for those who disclose violations of the act. The bill also provides definitions for key terms such as "health care service," "discrimination," and "conscience," and specifies that the right of conscience does not waive the obligation to provide emergency medical treatment or other services that do not conflict with one's beliefs.

Additionally, the bill grants immunity from civil or criminal liability for health care professionals and institutions that refuse to participate in services that violate their conscience. It allows for civil actions to be brought against any violations of the act and mandates that the Department of Insurance and the Department of Health create necessary rules for implementation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain sections becoming effective immediately upon the bill's passage.