essed simultaneously in both chambers (How, 2003). If the bill is the same in both chambers, the public can track compromise language, and continue lobbying committee members. They can contact their legislators about the vote on conference report, and send letters to the governor. If the bill is different in both chambers, it is referred to a conference committee of three senators and three representatives to draft a compromise bill. There is a vote on the conference report by both chambers. They may accept or reject the compromise bill, but cannot amend it.
If the bill passes, it becomes law when the governor signs it or fails to sign it or vetoes it within 14 days (How, 2003). If the bill is vetoed, a bill becomes law if both chambers vote to override it by a two-thirds majority. If either does not override the veto, the bill dies.
The purpose of this bill was to prohibit retaliation or discrimination against health care workers who report unsafe conditions and practice which impact on patient care (Patient, 1999). It protects worker who disclosed information, advocated for patients, or initiated cooperated with, or participated in any governmental investigation or proceeding regarding the care, service or conditions of a health care entity if: (1) the information is true; and (2) the information disclosed evidences a violation of a law, rule, or professional standard or relates to matters endangering patients, workers, or the public (H.R./Summary, 1999).
The bill prohibits contracts, policies, and procedures restricting the actions for which retaliation or discrimination is prohibited (H.R./Summary, 1999). It declares that these provisions do not protect disclosures violating confidentiality law. The bill prohibits disclosing the identity of the worker, subject to exception. It provides for enforcement through private, civil actions and, for certain willful and repeated violations, criminal penalties. It d...