Section 24001.5 - Legislative findings and declarations; liability of director or officer of a nonprofit medical association(a) The Legislature finds and declares that the services of directors or officers of nonprofit medical associations, as defined in Section 21200, who serve without compensation are critical to the efficient conduct and management of the public service and charitable affairs of the people of California. The willingness of volunteers to offer their services has been deterred by a perception that their personal assets are at risk for these activities. The unavailability and unaffordability of appropriate liability insurance makes it difficult for these associations to protect the personal assets of their volunteer decisionmakers with adequate insurance. It is the public policy of this state to provide incentive and protection to the individuals who perform these important functions.(b) Except as provided in this section, no cause of action for monetary damages shall arise against any person serving without compensation as a director or officer of a nonprofit medical association, as defined in Section 21200, on account of any negligent act or omission occurring (1) within the scope of that person's duties as a director acting as a board member, or within the scope of that person's duties as an officer acting in an official capacity; (2) in good faith; (3) in a manner that the person believes to be in the best interest of the association; and (4) is in the exercise of his or her policymaking judgment.(c) This section shall not limit the liability of a director or officer for any of the following: (1) Self-dealing transactions, as described in Sections 5233 and 9243.(2) Conflicts of interest, as described in Section 7233.(3) Actions described in Sections 5237, 7236, and 9245.(4) In the case of a charitable trust, an action or proceeding against a trustee brought by a beneficiary of that trust.(5) Any action or proceeding brought by the Attorney General.(6) Intentional, wanton, or reckless acts, gross negligence, or an action based on fraud, oppression, or malice.(7) Any action brought under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 16700) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code.(d) This section only applies to nonprofit organizations organized to provide charitable, educational, scientific, social, or other forms of public service that are exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.(e) This section applies only if the nonprofit association maintains a liability insurance policy with an amount of coverage of at least the following amounts: (1) If the association's annual budget is less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the minimum required amount is five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).(2) If the association's annual budget equals or exceeds fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the minimum required amount is one million dollars ($1,000,000). This section applies only if the liability insurance policy is applicable to the claim.
(f) For the purposes of this section, the payment of actual expenses incurred in attending meetings or otherwise in the execution of the duties of a director or officer shall not constitute compensation.(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the liability of a nonprofit association for any negligent act or omission of a director, officer, employee, agent, or servant occurring within the scope of his or her duties.(h) This section does not apply to any association that unlawfully restricts membership, services, or benefits conferred on the basis of political affiliation, age, or any characteristic listed or defined in subdivision (b) or (e) of Section 51 of the Civil Code.(i) This section does not apply to any volunteer director or officer who receives compensation from the association in any other capacity, including, but not limited to, as an employee.Amended by Stats 2009 ch 631 (AB 1233),s 52, eff. 1/1/2010.Amended by Stats 2007 ch 568 (AB 14),s 18, eff. 1/1/2008.