HB3649 Summary

• Amends the Hospital Licensing Act to require the Department of Public Health to investigate every allegation of patient abuse in hospitals, subject to appropriation.

• Establishes mandatory reporting requirements for hospital administrators, employees, agents, and medical staff members who have reasonable cause to believe a patient has been abused, with reports due to the Department within 24 hours.

• Prohibits retaliation against persons making good faith abuse reports and provides immunity from civil, professional, or criminal liability for good faith reporters and investigators.

• Requires hospitals to conduct internal reviews to protect alleged abuse victims, train all employees on abuse detection and reporting at least every 2 years, and prohibit practices designed to discourage reporting.

• Defines "abuse" to include physical injury, mental injury (intentional emotional distress), and sexual abuse intentionally inflicted by hospital personnel, while excluding legitimate medical care provided in good faith according to established standards.