NJ signs patient safety/background check legislation

The New Jersey state senate and general assembly has signed legislation that will help strengthen patient safety and protect patient from incompetent or impaired physicians.

The Health Care Professional Responsibility and Reporting Enhancement Act will require all licensed healthcare professionals to undergo a criminal background check when renewing professional license. It also requires healthcare professionals who witness impairment, incompetence, or unprofessional conduct in their colleagues to report the behavior to state authorities or their employer.

The bill further strengthens reporting requirements of healthcare entities regarding disciplinary actions and requires full disclosure of employee's past history to future employers. Under the bill, employers who disclose such information will be protected from litigation to encourage dialogue within the healthcare community and to protect patient safety.