LAW SHIELDS BOSSES WHO DISCLOSE:

Gov. Ed Rendell has signed legislation that protects employers from being sued over work histories they disclose about current or former employees. The measure stemmed from the case of a Pennsylvania nurse who murdered 24 patients. The information must be requested either by the employee, or the prospective new employer. Employees who dispute the disclosed information can sue for damages if they prove that the employer did not act in good faith.

State Sen. Pat Vance, R-Cumberland, originally wrote the bill to apply to hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities, but interest from various business groups prompted her to broaden it to all employers. “I’m surprised how many employers were concerned they were going to be sued,” Vance said. “It allows people to give a truthful explanation of their employee’s history.”