Bill > AB808

This bill, by adding Section 3212.13 to the Labor Code, establishes a presumption for hospital employees who provide direct patient care in acute care hospitals that a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infection (MRSA skin infection) that develops or manifests during their employment is a work-related injury. This means that such infections are presumed to arise out of and in the course of employment, making the hospital employee eligible for workers' compensation benefits, including medical treatment, disability indemnity, and death benefits, similar to how public safety employees like police officers and firefighters are already covered for certain conditions. This presumption is disputable and can be overcome with other evidence, and it extends for 60 days after the employee's termination of service. The bill defines an "acute care hospital" as a health facility meeting specific criteria outlined in the Health and Safety Code.