Legislation Pushed to Protect Healthcare Workers from Rising Hospital Violence
TL/DR –
In response to increasing violence against healthcare workers, US lawmakers have introduced the Save Healthcare Workers Act. The bipartisan act, if passed, would make it a federal crime to attack hospital employees, carrying a prison sentence of up to 10 years, with higher penalties for using a deadly weapon. Despite 30 states already having laws making it a felony to attack healthcare workers, and violence causing some nurses to leave the profession, previous similar measures have failed to pass, although the current bill has strong bipartisan support.
Hospitals Advocate for Legislation to Protect Healthcare Workers Against Violence
Amid rising violence against hospital employees, institutions are pressing for legislation to enhance protective measures for healthcare workers. A bipartisan bill has been introduced, called the Save Healthcare Workers Act, proposing to make it a federal crime to assault hospital and healthcare employees.Similar previous attempts have been unsuccessful despite bipartisan support.
Under this legislation, anyone convicted of assaulting hospital workers could face up to 10 years in federal prison, with heightened penalties for use of a deadly weapon. The proposed law would offer similar protections to those currently in place for the airline industry.
Legislation Co-Sponsored by Bipartisan Senators and Representatives
Co-sponsoring Senators include Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and Independent Angus King of Maine (S. 1600). Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, Iowa) and Madeleine Dean (Democrat, Pennsylvania) have introduced a parallel bill in the House (H. 3178). Hyde-Smith believes the legislation will deter violence, ensuring safety for healthcare workers and their patients.
Ryan Oglesby, president of the Emergency Nurses Association, remains hopeful for the bill’s approval. He laments the high levels of violence in hospitals and emergency departments, and calls for a national law despite some resistance from those considering it a state issue.
Violence in Hospitals: A Rising Concern
Violence in hospitals is escalating, with two nurses assaulted every hour as per Press Ganey. Over half of all emergency nurses report having been physically assaulted or threatened in the past 30 days. A striking 90% of emergency physicians say they’ve been attacked or threatened in the past year.
The financial toll of hospital violence is hefty as well, costing over $18 billion in 2023. Factors include staff time loss from assaults and investments in increased security. The American Hospital Association supports the legislation, and its CEO, Rick Pollack urges Congress to prioritize the safety of healthcare providers.
The Need for National Consistency and Greater Protections
Violence in the healthcare sector has been driving nurses away from the profession, making recruitment harder. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, believes the bill would offer added protections, especially for multi-state health systems. Advocates acknowledge that while the bill won’t completely resolve the issue, it could make a significant difference.
The legislation also plans to exempt individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities from prosecution. Representative Dean calls for hospital employees to receive the same protections as airline industry workers.
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