78R7447 EMT-D

By:  Madla                                                        S.B. No. 1298



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to workplace safety in hospitals.                                    
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 241, Health and Safety 
Code, is amended by adding Section 241.029 to read as follows:
	Sec. 241.029.  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO WORKPLACE 
SAFETY.  (a)  The governing body of a hospital shall adopt policies 
and procedures related to the work environment for nurses and other 
hospital personnel to:
		(1)  improve workplace safety and reduce the risk of 
injury, occupational illness, and violence; and
		(2)  increase the use of ergonomic principles and 
ergonomically designed devices to reduce injury and fatigue.
	(b)  The policies and procedures adopted under Subsection 
(a), at a minimum, must include:
		(1)  evaluating new products and technology that 
incorporate ergonomic principles;
		(2)  educating hospital personnel in the application of 
ergonomic practices;
		(3)  conducting workplace audits to identify areas of 
risk of injury, occupational illness, or violence and recommending 
ways to reduce those risks;
		(4)  controlling access to those areas identified as 
having a high risk of violence; and
		(5)  promptly reporting crimes committed against 
hospital personnel to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.  A 
hospital must adopt policies and procedures required by Section 
241.029, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, not later 
than January 1, 2004.