Bill > SB1145

This bill establishes a Compliance Review and Reporting Program within the Department of Health to monitor the reporting of suspected sexual abuse or exploitation of children, defined as individuals under 18 years of age, in facilities like hospitals or healthcare centers that provide medical care to children. During inspections, the Department of Health will review health records to ensure that any suspected cases of sexual abuse or exploitation, as defined by Pennsylvania law, were reported as required by child protective services laws. If a facility fails to report, the Department of Health will make the report itself and record any mandated reporter who failed to do so, and the facility's name will be posted publicly. The bill also allows parents or guardians to sue facilities for damages if a report is not made, and the Department of Health will refer violations to law enforcement, licensing boards, and district attorneys. Facilities that obstruct record access during reviews may face daily civil penalties, and those with repeated reporting failures could have their state-funded reimbursements withheld by the Department of Human Services. Inspectors who willfully fail to report suspected abuse will be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Health and Social Services

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1145