The proposed bill introduces the "Healthcare Worker Platform Act," which establishes a regulatory framework for healthcare worker platforms in the state. It defines a healthcare worker platform as any person, corporation, partnership, or association that operates or offers a platform for healthcare workers to accept shifts electronically, while explicitly excluding these platforms from being classified as nursing service agencies. The bill mandates that all healthcare worker platforms must obtain a license from the Department of Health by September 1, 2027, and outlines various requirements for licensure, including criminal background checks, credential verification, and compliance with health standards.

The act specifies that healthcare worker platforms must ensure that all healthcare workers utilizing the platform meet certain standards, including completion of national fingerprint-based criminal background checks, verification of credentials, and adherence to health and vaccination standards. Additionally, the bill prohibits platforms from requiring the payment of liquidated damages or employment fees from healthcare workers and restricts them from actively recruiting potential contractors from healthcare facilities with which they have an active contract.

The Department of Health is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this chapter, conducting inspections and investigations, and enforcing the provisions of the act. The act also requires healthcare worker platforms to submit annual statistical reports to the Department of Health, detailing various metrics related to healthcare workers and shifts booked through the platform.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to clarify that the provisions governing nursing service agencies do not apply to licensed healthcare worker platforms, although these platforms must adhere to the same training requirements for nursing assistants. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2107  SUB A: 23-17.7.1-13