American Samoa § 13.0601 - Definitions.

§ 13.0601. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (1) “American Samoa” is defined by 41.0202 (1)(c). (2) “Medical attention”, means direct patient care provided by a medical doctor, medical officer, osteopath, dentist, or dental officer, including drugs and medicines prescribed as part of that care. (3) “Use of Medical Center facilities”, means all services and operations of Medical Center facilities, other than medical attention.” Case Notes: Territorial statute which required the government to provide free medical services to all citizens, and which did not require citizens who had ability to pay their own medical expenses to reimburse the government, implicitly required that government’s claim for reimbursement from tortfeasor’s insurer should be subordinate to victim’s claim for pain and suffering. A.S.C.A. § 13.0601. American International Underwriters v. American Samoa Government, 3 A.S.R.2d 115 (1986). ASG provides free medical attention to American Samoans and qualified residents, but it can, under the equitable principle of subrogation, look to the tortfeasor for reimbursement. A.S.C.A. § 13.0601. Puailoa v. Barber, 19 A.S.R.2d 48 (1991).