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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2005
Contact: Tracy Polovick
Coordinator of Communications and Outreach
(717) 787-8524
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Vance Introduces Legislation to Protect Hospital Patients

HARRISBURG – Hospital patients would have an added layer of protection under legislation introduced on Monday by Sen. Patricia Vance (R-Cumberland/York).

"Patients in hospitals have enough concerns on their minds that they should not have to worry about their safety," Vance said. "This will provide peace of mind to patients and their families. Hospital patients many times are at their most vulnerable point in their lives. Although, many hospitals already require background checks, it is important to make sure all patients are protected."

Senate Bill 224 creates two separate and distinct categories of crimes for which convictions would preclude an individual from being employed in a hospital. A person would be banned for life from working in a hospital if he or she committed any offense that constitutes serious physical harm, a threat of serious physical harm or conduct that shows a reckless disregard for the vulnerability of care-dependent populations.

A person would be banned for 10 years from working at a hospital if he or she committed an offense related to misappropriation or misuse of property or convictions involving inappropriate or irresponsible behavior. Time spent in prison does not count toward the 10 years. Those who fall under this 10-year ban can appeal the ban if the conviction occurred at least five years prior, not including time spend incarcerated. These criminal conviction provisions apply to all employees who have direct contact with patients.

Vance's district includes all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.