Local physicians who provide free medical care are now protected against lawsuits by a new state law.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-24th District, of Hinsdale drafted the law to protect physicians participating in Access DuPage, a program that provides low-income and uninsured residents access to medical services free of charge and at no cost to taxpayers.

The law exempts doctors who participate in the program from civil liability if they inform their patients of the exemption in writing.

Prior to the new law, free medical clinics were not exempt from civil liability unless they posted an explanation of the exemption somewhere on the premises. Access DuPage offers free medical services, but patients see doctors in their individual offices rather than a clinic setting.