States Address Workplace Violence against Healthcare Workers
Workplace violence in healthcare settings continues to escalate, posing serious challenges to the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals. A January 2024 poll from the American College of Emergency Physicians found that 91% of emergency physicians reported either being victims of violence themselves or knowing a colleague who had experienced violence in the past year. These acts of aggression threaten personal safety, increase stress and burnout among healthcare workers, and ultimately compromise the quality of patient care.
The ACS is committed to addressing the growing threat of workplace violence and continues to advocate for stronger protective measures for healthcare workers. Legislative progress is being made throughout the US on a state level.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, House Bill 125 now requires armed law enforcement officers to be stationed in hospital emergency departments as of October 1, 2024. In addition, hospitals with emergency departments must provide comprehensive workplace violence prevention training and resources to staff, practitioners, and non-law enforcement security personnel.
The Department of Health and Human Services will collect data from hospitals on assaults, the impact of violent behavior, and workplace violence incidents from the previous year. This information will be used to develop recommendations aimed at reducing violence in hospitals and protecting healthcare personnel from assaults.
California
Another significant legislative success is California's recent enactment of Assembly Bill 977, which imposes stricter penalties for assaults or batteries against physicians or other healthcare workers providing emergency services. Offenders could face up to 1 year of imprisonment, fines of up to $2,000, or both.
Hospitals with emergency facilities are now authorized to post notices in their emergency departments, warning that assaults or batteries against staff are crimes that may lead to criminal convictions
Additionally, California enacted AB 2975, which requires hospitals to implement and maintain effective injury prevention programs, including a workplace violence prevention plan. This plan mandates using security mechanisms at main public entrances, such as stationary metal detectors or handheld wands, to screen and identify weapons, with protocols regarding how to respond when dangerous weapons are detected.
The ACS supports legislation mandating hospitals and healthcare facilities to implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs. These programs should include training on de-escalation techniques, enhanced reporting systems for violent incidents, and stricter penalties for assaults on healthcare workers. The College also encourages hospitals to foster a culture of safety by ensuring adequate staffing, creating secure environments, and providing necessary support for employees who have been affected by violence.
For more information on workplace violence legislation or other policies impacting healthcare workers, visit the ACS State Legislation web page and read an October Bulletin feature article on the topic.
Members Help ACS Spearhead Legislation across the US
In addition to the violence against healthcare workers legislation, the ACS—both its State Affairs staff and its membership—are playing a leading role in affecting change on a state level. An October Bulletin features provides a brief overview of the more than 3,700 bills being monitored by the ACS and describes how ACS chapters are getting involved.
Areas of focus include scope of practice legislation that could affect the procedures that certified registered nurse anesthetists, optometrists, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and naturopaths are allowed to deliver; prior authorization legislation that could impact; trauma and cancer funding; and more.
Read the article.
