A ‘Simple Fix’ for ID Badges at Hospitals, Health Systems

HAP-supported legislation advances through House Health Committee

June 13, 2022

The state House Health Committee today unanimously advanced HAP-supported legislation that would simplify identification (ID) badges for hospitals, health systems, and their employees across the state.

House Bill 2604, sponsored by Rep. Tim Twardzik (R–Schuylkill), allows common health system names—rather than formal licensed facility names—to appear on photo ID badges. The change would update the existing law to take into account that many hospitals are now part of larger hospital systems and that their employees provide care across multiple facilities.

As the law is currently written, employees working across health systems are required to have multiple badges for each facility, rather than the system in which they are employed. This simple bill would help alleviate some strain, benefiting hospitals and their hardworking staff.

Last week, HAP sent a letter to committee members urging their support for the legislation.

“Given that today’s ID badges often have technological and security features built into them, current law is burdensome for hospital staff and costly for the hospitals that employ them,” the letter said. “Moreover, modernizing the law is important in supporting hospitals' efforts and investments to keep their employees safe.”

The legislation moves to the full House for consideration. HAP will continue to advocate the General Assembly to pass this important legislation to support the hospital community.

For more information about House Bill 2604, contact Heather Tyler, HAP’s vice president, state legislative advocacy.