Tell the Senate to vote YES on HB159

BREAKING NEWS!  The Senate Judiciary Committee just passed House Bill 159 (HB159) which now sends it to the Senate for a full vote. Please reach out to your Senator (or all of them) and tell them to vote YES on HB159.  This bill is vital to the nursing profession in Kentucky.

HB159, will prevent healthcare professionals from being charged criminally for making a medical error. A handful of nurses have been criminally charged in a few other states. These cases did not involve gross negligence or an intent to harm. Here are the key points to make in your communication with legislators:

* KY has a shortage of nurses, and we need to ensure nurses aren’t leaving the profession for fear of being criminally charged for making a medical error.

* Fear of criminal charges can hamper voluntary reporting and cooperation, which is essential so systems and processes can be changed to prevent  further errors. 

* This has not happened in Kentucky, yet, so we want to be proactive to protect our nurses and keep them working here.

* There is no cost associated with this bill.

Together we can advocate for nurses!  Call or email the Senate TODAY!

To look up your state representative and senator:

* Go to https://legislature.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx 

* Hover over “Legislators”

* Click “Who’s My Legislator” 

* Click the marker on the map to view your representative and senator.

 To email a legislator:

* Hover over “Legislators”

* Select “Contact a Member” 

* Click on the legislator you want to contact

* Enter your information and message. 

* Click “Submit”

 To call and leave a message for a legislator on the LRC message line:

           * Call 1-800-372-7181

           * Give your name, address and phone number

           * Leave a brief message.