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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2005
Contact: Tracy Polovick
Coordinator of Communications and Outreach
(717) 787-8524
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Vance Introduces First Piece of Senate Legislation

Bill would assist employers in obtaining accurate reference information

HARRISBURG – Sen. Patricia Vance (R-Cumberland/York) today introduced legislation granting immunity to employers who respond to prospective employers for reference information on current or former employees.

Currently Pennsylvania is one of 14 states that do not provide statutory protection for employers who respond to reference requests.

"Protecting those who are vulnerable to abuse or crime is one of my priorities," Vance said. "That is why I chose this important piece of legislation as my first to author in the Senate. The issue of reference checking by prospective employers came under scrutiny last year after a male nurse pleaded guilty to murder patients at a number of facilities over a 10-year time period.

"The lack of immunity has a chilling effect on employers to provide any information, other than verification of dates of employment and job title, for fear of lawsuit," Vance added. "This allowed the nurse to move from facility to facility continuing his crimes. In addition, without exchange of information, it is difficult for employers to make intelligent hiring decisions."

Vance first introduced this bill last year while a member of the House. Senate Bill 69 protects employers from civil liability including defamation and interference with contract or prospective contract. It does not interfere with an employee's ability to file suit against an employer for intentionally disclosing false information and acting out of ill-will.

Vance's district includes all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.