Bill > H3467

This bill aims to enhance protections for public safety and public health workers, referred to as "first responders," by establishing procedures for managing potential exposure to infectious diseases dangerous to the public health. A "first responder" is defined broadly to include police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, corrections officers, ambulance operators, and similar public safety roles. The bill mandates that if a first responder has an "unprotected exposure" – meaning contact that could transmit a disease, such as direct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or blood mixing – while attending to or transporting a patient, they must complete a standardized trip form. This form will detail the exposure and contact information of those exposed. Healthcare facilities receiving this form must, with patient consent, test the patient for relevant infectious diseases. If a disease is diagnosed, the facility must notify exposed individuals within specific timeframes, providing guidance on necessary precautions while keeping the patient's identity confidential. The bill also outlines a process for obtaining court orders for patient testing if the patient refuses, and it grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to healthcare facilities and their representatives who act in good faith when reporting or testing under these provisions. The Department of Public Health is empowered to create regulations to implement these measures.