James Hitesman v. Bridgeway, Inc. (072466)

In this appeal, the Court considers a health care worker’s claim asserted under the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), N.J.S.A. 34:19-1 to -8, premised upon standards set forth in a professional code of ethics, an employee handbook, and the employer’s statement of patient rights.

Plaintiff James Hitesman’s employment as a registered nurse in a nursing home operated by defendant Bridgeway, Inc. (Bridge-way) was terminated in January 2008 after he complained to the facility’s management about the rate of infectious diseases among patients, reported his concerns to governmental…