Public healthcare facilities may soon be required to implement electronic tracking systems to monitor the working hours of healthcare staff. This proposed legislation is currently under discussion in the Senate and aims to amend the existing health reform law.
Key Features of the Proposed Legislation
Signatories of the bill include parliamentarians from the former ruling coalition and independent members. The initiative addresses frequent violations of work schedules by state-employed medical personnel who are often engaged in private practice during designated working hours at public hospitals.
Implementation of Electronic Tracking Systems
The legislation proposes the installation of electronic attendance systems in public health units. These systems will record the arrival and departure times of doctors and nurses, as well as track the start and end times of their shifts. Hospital managers will be responsible for ensuring the operation and maintenance of these devices.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to install and maintain these electronic tracking systems may result in substantial fines. Managers who do not provide the collected data to the relevant authorities could face penalties of up to 60,000 lei.
Budget Considerations
- Purchasing and installation costs for the electronic devices can be funded from the healthcare facilities’ own budgets.
Expected Benefits
The supporters of this bill argue that implementing these measures will enhance the quality of services available to patients within the public healthcare system. Additionally, it aims to reduce unjustified absences among medical staff, ultimately leading to increased efficiency in the use of resources at public hospitals.
