Texas Senate Bill SB192

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 11/9/10
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/7/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/17/11
• Refer: 1/31/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 3/7/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 3/17/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 3/29/11
• Report Pass: 5/18/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to patient advocacy activities by nurses and certain other persons; providing an administrative penalty.

Impact

If passed, SB192 would fundamentally affect how patient care concerns are reported and addressed within healthcare facilities. The proposed amendments provide a clearer framework of protections for those who report such concerns in good faith, thereby fostering a safer environment for those who advocate for patient rights. Furthermore, it introduces administrative penalties for violations of these provisions, with fines of up to $25,000 for entities found guilty of retaliatory behavior against reporting nurses.

Summary

SB192 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing protections for patient advocacy activities performed by nurses and certain others. The bill amends existing sections of the Occupations Code to prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report violations of nursing standards or patient care concerns. Specifically, the bill seeks to ensure that nurses are not subjected to termination, discrimination, or disciplinary actions when they refuse to engage in unethical practices, or when they assist their colleagues in understanding their rights under the law.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding SB192 rest on its implications for workplace culture in healthcare environments. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for protecting vulnerable employees who step forward to address malpractice or negligence. On the contrary, opponents may raise concerns regarding the enforcement of these protections and the potential for misuse, claiming that it could lead to an increase in frivolous claims against healthcare providers. Additionally, the potential imposition of administrative penalties could provoke resistance from healthcare administrators worried about compliance and the administrative burden it may create.