Health care workers; employment rights
The legislation obligates health care employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to workers and ensures that health care employers notify staff of any potential COVID-19 exposures. Additionally, it requires employers to grant paid sick leave for workers affected by COVID-19, including those undergoing treatment or caring for affected family members. Such measures aim to enhance worker safety and welfare while addressing staffing concerns in health care settings during the ongoing pandemic.
House Bill 2738 aims to establish new employment rights for health care workers in Arizona, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill defines essential health care workers, which encompass a range of personnel from physicians to administrative staff, and mandates that health care employers pay hazard pay for work performed in relation to COVID-19 essential functions. Specifically, health care workers are to receive a rate that exceeds their base pay by 5%, which will also increase annually for the next three years. This provision is intended to recognize the added risks faced by these workers during the pandemic.
While supporters of the bill laud its focus on protecting essential health care workers and providing additional compensation during unprecedented times, there may be concerns regarding the long-term implications for employers, particularly smaller health care institutions. Opponents might argue that the cost burden of hazard pay and PPE provision could impact the financial viability of health care facilities. Furthermore, whistleblower protections included within the bill seek to shield workers who raise health and safety concerns; however, the effectiveness of these protections may be scrutinized as health care settings navigate compliance and operational challenges.