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ASSEMBLY ACTS TO PROTECT HEALTH-CARE WHISTLEBLOWERS Approved by Assembly and Senate Last Year, Measure Was Pocket-Vetoed by Governor Health-care workers who advocate for patient care by going public with incidents of wrongdoing by hospitals and similar institutions would be protected from retaliation by their employers under legislation expected to be considered by the Assembly today. The Health Care Whistleblower Protection Act was approved unanimously by the Assembly and the Senate last year, but Governor George Pataki failed to sign the legislation. "The governor put both patient safety and workers’ rights at risk when he pocket vetoed the Whistleblower Protection Act," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. "The Assembly remains committed to ensuring all New Yorkers receive quality health care and that workers are treated fairly." The legislation (A.3259) would protect workers in public and private hospitals, clinics and nursing homes from the threat of losing their jobs if they report illegal or unsafe practices that jeopardize patient care. "New Yorkers rely on their health-care professionals to be qualified and conscientious," said Assembly Labor Committee Chair Catherine Nolan (D-Queens). "At a time when the health-care system is facing critical staffing shortages and mounting pressure to cut costs, workers need protection from retaliation if they report improper or deficient patient care." Nolan noted that the Health Care Whistleblower Protection Act has widespread support from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and other health professional associations, statewide labor organizations and consumer advocacy groups. "When nurses are prevented from serving as patient advocates, a vital safeguard is missing," said Tina Gerardi, RN, NYSNA deputy executive director. "There is a growing concern about medical errors and understaffing throughout the healthcare system. Patients must be sure that nurses can speak up about quality of care issues without fear of retaliation." -30- |
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