HEALTH CARE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACT

HB 337, the Health Care Whistleblower Protection Act, protects health care workers, patients, volunteers, and consumers who report safety risks, fraud, or violations of law in New Mexico's health care system from retaliation by health care entities. It prohibits entities from firing, demoting, or otherwise punishing individuals who disclose wrongdoing in good faith to government agencies, testify in investigations, or object to unsafe practices. Whistleblowers can sue for lost wages, reinstatement, attorney fees, and other damages if retaliated against, and their identities must remain confidential unless they consent to disclosure. The law applies broadly to hospitals, clinics, staffing companies, and telemedicine providers, but excludes federally qualified health centers and independent health care practices.