(a) Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the department, the hospital director may establish a sheltered workshop at a state hospital to provide patients with remunerative work performed in a setting which simulates that of industry and is performed in such a manner as to meet standards of industrial quality. The workshop shall be so operated as to provide the treatment staff with a realistic atmosphere for assessing patients’ capabilities in work settings, and to provide opportunities to strengthen and expand patient interests and aptitudes.
(b) Notwithstanding any payment schedule approved by the department, state hospital patients who participate in sheltered workshops established under this section are not “employees” within the meaning of Sections 18526 and 18529 of the Government Code and Sections 1182.12, 1191.5, and 2750 of the Labor Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 38, Sec. 43. (SB 78) Effective June 27, 2019.)