NC S697

Prohibits healthcare employers from retaliating against or discriminating against nurses who make good faith reports concerning patient medical care violations or failures to meet medical standards.

Protects nurses who disclose violations to supervisors, internal compliance systems, or regulatory boards; provide information to regulatory agencies; or advise others of their rights under this section.

Requires nurses to first report concerns in writing to a supervisor or administrator through the employer's internal compliance plan and allow reasonable opportunity for correction before obtaining legal protections.

Allows nurses to file complaints with the North Carolina Commissioner of Labor within 180 days of alleged violations, with the Commissioner investigating and attempting informal resolution within 90 days.

Establishes an affirmative defense allowing employers to demonstrate personnel actions were based on grounds other than the nurse's protected reporting activities.