Gannon Sponsors Measure to Create Nursing Registry:track nurses misconduct/dismissals

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

From legislative emil. REp. Tom Gannon Chair of HousePprofessional Licensure committee. Karen

Gannon Sponsors Measure to Create Nursing Registry

List will track nurses with reports of misconduct or dismissal

In efforts to help protect the safety of Pennsylvanians, Rep. Tom Gannon (R-Delaware) has introduced legislation in the state House to establish a statewide registry to track nurses who have a history of reports of misconduct or dismissal.

"The case of nurse Charles Cullen, who has admitted to killing 29 patients who were under his care in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, has brought to light the seriousness of background checks for employees in the health care profession," said Gannon, who chairs the House Professional Licensure Committee, which plays an important role in the licensing of several professions, including nurses.

According to news reports, Cullen was able to move from hospital to hospital, despite suspicions he was killing patients, because the health care facilities did not report their fears to authorities.

"By creating this registry, I am hopeful that hospital and other medical facilities can check one location to see if the nurse working for them, or applying for employment, has any history of professional misconduct or dismissal," Gannon said.

Under his legislation, House Bill 1810, a statewide registry would list reports made by health care facilities of a nurse's misconduct or dismissal from employment. The registry would include the name of the nurse, license number, location of each health care facility where the nurse practiced, a detailed description of the events leading to discipline or dismissal, the name and address of the health care facility making the report, and any other information deemed appropriate by the Department of Health.

The legislation states that a health care facility may not disclose the name of any patient involved in the discipline or dismissal of a nurse.

The Department of Health will provide copies of the reports filed and housed in the registry to a health care facility upon request. A reasonable fee may be charged for providing the information. The registry will also be made available to the public over the Internet, except for the address of the nurse specified in the report. If the discipline is rescinded or if the nurse is reinstated, the hospitals must notify the Department of Health and have it placed in the registry.

If a health care facility fails to provide a written report of a nurse's misconduct or dismissal, the department may fine the facility between $500 and $1,000.

"My foremost intent with this legislation is the safety of every Pennsylvanian who is in need of medical care," Gannon said. "I am hopeful that with this registry, a clear threat like Charles Cullen will not be taking care of our loved ones."

The bill has been referred to the House Professional Licensure Committee for review.

Rep. Thomas Gannon

161st District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

[phone]

[phone]

www.RepGannon.com

Contact: Jennifer J. Algoe

House Republican Public Relations

[phone]

www.pahousegop.com