New Jersey Assembly Bill A595

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Prohibits disclosure of personal information pertaining to certain health care workers who are victims of assault; establishes civil penalty for each violation.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts the confidentiality of personal information for health care workers affected by assaults. By mandating that any related documents be kept confidential and inaccessible to the public unless court-ordered, the legislation seeks to offer these victims a layer of protection against further distress. Given that health care workers often experience higher rates of workplace violence compared to other professions, this bill is a response to increasing concerns over their safety and well-being in workplace settings.

Summary

Assembly Bill 595 prohibits the disclosure of personal information regarding health care workers who are victims of assault while performing their duties. Specifically, it protects the names and addresses of these workers from being included in public reports or documents when the assailant is a patient or resident of a health care facility. This measure is aimed at safeguarding health care professionals from potential retaliation or intimidation following an assault incident. The legislation also imposes a civil penalty of $100 for each unauthorized disclosure of such information, reinforcing the importance of maintaining confidentiality for victims.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance the protection of health care workers, it raises discussions about the implications of confidentiality on public safety and accountability. Opponents may argue that concealing the identities of victims could hinder transparency in how assaults are addressed within health care facilities. Additionally, there are perspectives on how the civil penalties for unauthorized disclosure may impact public access to legal proceedings and documents concerning workplace violence incidents. Therefore, striking a balance between protecting individual privacy and ensuring public interest remains a key point of contention.