Singer Bill Requiring Healthcare Workers to Report Infectious Disease Outbreaks to Employers Clears Senate Committee

Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer requiring healthcare workers to tell their employer of infectious disease outbreaks at other facilities where they are employed was advanced by the Senate Health, Human Services & Senior Citizens Committee.

“Earlier this year, the Manatt Health Report stressed that individuals who work at multiple healthcare facilities may unknowingly contribute to the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases,” Singer (R-30) said. “It’s clear that we need to increase transparency and communication between healthcare employees and their employers to reduce the spread of transmissible illnesses and keep New Jersey residents safe. This bill will ensure that healthcare facilities are not kept in the dark about potential staff exposures and know when additional precautions should be taken.”

The bill (S-2865) requires individuals employed by a hospital, nursing home, group home, or assisted living residence to disclose to that entity the name of any other facility at which the individual is employed along with any outbreak of an infectious disease occurring at those other facilities.

“Instituting these new procedures will increase accountability and help ensure the safety and well-being of both healthcare workers and the vulnerable individuals they serve,” added Singer.

Under the legislation, healthcare workers who fail to inform their employers of infectious disease outbreaks may have their professional license or certification suspended for 30 days, be issued a fine up to $1,000, or both.