Bill > HB226

This bill, known as the Protection of Patients and Medical Personnel from Health Care Facility Retaliation Act, establishes comprehensive protections for patients and medical personnel against discriminatory actions by health care facilities. The legislation prohibits health care facilities from retaliating against patients or medical personnel who file grievances, complaints, or participate in investigations regarding the quality of care or facility conditions. The bill creates rebuttable legal presumptions of retaliation if discriminatory treatment occurs within 180 days for patients and 120 days for medical personnel after filing a complaint. Discriminatory treatment is broadly defined and includes actions like discharge, demotion, suspension, or unfavorable contract changes. The bill empowers the Secretary of Health to impose significant civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, including the ability to suspend or revoke facility licenses. Additionally, the law provides criminal penalties of up to $20,000 for willful violations and allows affected employees, healthcare workers, and medical staff to seek remedies such as reinstatement, lost wages, and legal cost reimbursement. The legislation also includes provisions protecting peer review processes and contains an exemption for inmates in correctional or juvenile detention facilities. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a clear timeline for implementation and compliance by healthcare facilities.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=226