GOV. DAVIS: Signs Whistle-Blower Law
Gov. Gray Davis Friday signed legislation ( SB 97) which prohibits health care facilities from retaliating or discriminating against an employee or patient who has filed a grievance, or provided information to a governmental entity conducting an investigation relating to care, services or conditions at the facility. He stated, "Quality patient care depends upon health care workers having the confidences they can report wrongdoing if it occurs. SB 97 ensures that employees who file grievances will be protected." Any facility found in violation of the new law will be subjected to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 and a willful violation will be a misdemeanor punishable by a $20,000 fine (release, 7/23).
Registered Nurse Education Fund to Continue
Governor Davis also signed a measure Friday to continue the Registered Nurse Education Fund, a program designed to grant scholarships to nursing students who commit to serving in a health manpower shortage area. Since 1990, grants have been awarded to 754 nursing students who practice in 40 of the state's 58 counties (release, 7/23).