This bill amends the existing laws governing the health care workplace safety commission by introducing several key changes aimed at enhancing workplace safety in health care facilities. Notably, it adds a representative from Hampstead Hospital to the commission, mandates that health facilities report incidents of workplace violence and hostile words to the Department of Labor on a monthly basis, and repeals the exemption that previously excluded state-operated health care facilities from the commission's jurisdiction. Additionally, the bill clarifies that annual reports from the commission will not be confidential, ensuring transparency in the reporting of workplace safety incidents.

The bill also establishes new reporting requirements for health facilities, which must now submit detailed annual and monthly reports that include descriptions of incidents, the nature and extent of injuries, and classifications of perpetrators without revealing identifiable personal information. The commission is tasked with adopting rules for implementing these reporting requirements, including the creation of a common reporting form. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the protection of individuals reporting incidents from retaliation and reinforces confidentiality provisions regarding the data collected. Overall, these changes aim to improve the safety and accountability of health care workplaces in New Hampshire.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 151-J:1, 277-C:2, 151-J:7, 151-J:9
Version adopted by both bodies: 151-J:1, 277-C:2, 151-J:7, 151-J:9
SB29 text: 151-J:1, 277-C:2, 151-J:7