Press Release

Senator Arreguín's Bill to Support Hospital Workers Passes in Labor Committee

Senator Arreguin stands with CNA members at the Labor Committee hearing on SB 632

SENATOR ARREGUÍN’S BILL TO SUPPORT HOSPITAL WORKERS PASSES IN LABOR COMMITTEE

Sb 632 would provide nurses and hospital employees better access to treatment for work-related injuries

Sacramento, CA - Today, Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley) presented to the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement his bill that will remove barriers for hospital workers to file compensation claims as a result of certain injuries and illnesses that are work-related. SB 632, sponsored by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU), was passed by the Committee.

“SB 632 will level the playing field by giving hospital workers the benefits already provided in other occupations with similar risks,” said Senator Jesse Arreguín. “Our healthcare workers take care of our community, and we need to have their back too. This bill will make it easier for our healthcare workers to seek treatment for when they get sick or injured at work ensuring that Californians have access to high-quality medical attention and care.”

Hospital workers such as nurses face higher exposure to workplace hazards compared to other occupations, yet do not have access to the same protections as other high-risk jobs such as male-dominated first responder professions like firefighters and peace officers. Because of this, nurses often face delays in workers compensation claims and even denial. This can lead to workers taking more time off and paying out of pocket for recovery treatment, placing additional pressures on hospitals that already face staffing turnover and a shortage of nurses willing to endure substandard working conditions. 

“Nurses are on the front lines of our health care system. When we get sick or injured caring for our patients, we should not have to fight to get the healing we need,” said CNA President Sandy Reding, RN. “Our workers’ compensation system is currently set up to delay and deny the care nurses need. We appreciate Sen. Arreguín for authoring SB 632, which will make it easier for nurses to heal after getting hurt or sick on the job, instead of wasting our time fighting for the medical and financial support we need.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers were on the front lines as hospitals reached capacity, treating patients while facing shortages of personal protective equipment, long before vaccinations and treatments were developed. While they were taking care of our community, many workers caught the virus and unfortunately this spread to their families. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses have 95% more work-related injuries and illnesses compared to the overall US workforce, including nearly four times more likely to experience workplace violence injuries and illness from infectious diseases. 

Currently, the burden of proof on if an injury or illness was work related falls on hospital workers. SB 632 would instead place the proof of burden to disprove if certain injuries or illnesses were work related on the employer, as is done in other professions with a higher risk of injury. This will allow employees to receive timely treatment and reduce the likelihood of longer recovery periods that places strains on the industry.