Bill > HB337

This bill establishes the Health Care Whistleblower Protection Act, which creates comprehensive legal protections for individuals who report unlawful or improper actions within health care entities. The bill provides broad definitions of who qualifies as a whistleblower, including health care providers, patients, volunteers, consumers, and employees, and defines what constitutes an unlawful or improper act, such as violations of laws, unsafe practices, fraud, mismanagement, or actions that pose a danger to patients. The legislation prohibits health care entities from taking retaliatory actions against whistleblowers who disclose information to government agencies, provide testimony during investigations, or refuse to participate in activities they believe are improper. Whistleblowers are granted the right to file civil actions for damages, with potential remedies including reinstatement, back pay, compensation for special damages, and attorney fees. The bill requires health care entities to adopt and prominently display whistleblower protection policies in both English and Spanish, and mandates that a whistleblower's identity remain confidential unless they provide written consent. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and provides a two-year statute of limitations for filing civil actions related to retaliatory actions.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=337&year=25