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Vance Introduces Legislation to Protect Hospital Patients
HARRISBURG -- Hospital
patients would have an added layer of protection under legislation introduced on
Monday by Sen. Patricia Vance (R-Cumberland/York).
“Patients in hospitals have
enough concerns on their minds that they should not have to worry about their
safety,” Vance said. “This will provide peace of mind to patients and their
families. Hospital patients many times are at their most vulnerable point in
their lives. Although, many hospitals already require background checks, it is
important to make sure all patients are protected.”
Senate Bill 224 creates two
separate and distinct categories of crimes for which convictions would preclude
an individual from being employed in a hospital. A person would be banned for
life from working in a hospital if he or she committed any offense that
constitutes serious physical harm, a threat of serious physical harm or conduct
that shows a reckless disregard for the vulnerability of care-dependent
populations.
A person would be banned for 10
years from working at a hospital if he or she committed an offense related to
misappropriation or misuse of property or convictions involving inappropriate or
irresponsible behavior. Time spent in prison does not count toward the 10
years. Those who fall under this 10-year ban can appeal the ban if the
conviction occurred at least five years prior, not including time spend
incarcerated. These criminal conviction provisions apply to all employees who
have direct contact with patients.
Vance’s district includes
all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington
and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in
York County.
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