HARRISBURG – The House Health Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) on Monday that would allow frontline healthcare workers to omit their last name from work badges due to privacy reasons.
Senate Bill 842 would remove a state requirement that the employee’s last name must be visible on a photo identification badge.
Malicious individuals can use a last name for purposes of stalking, harassing and even assaulting healthcare workers, according to Phillips-Hill.
“Over these last two months, we have a seen an incredible burden put on our frontline workers in hospitals and health systems all across the Commonwealth,” Phillips-Hill said. “Workplace violence in a healthcare setting is four times more likely than any other industry. As these professionals go to work every day to keep us healthy, we should look at every avenue to keep them safe and that is what Senate Bill 842 will do.”
Senate Bill 842 was reported to the House of Representatives for its consideration.