Federal legislation introduced in 2022 would take important steps to protect the safety of hospital and health care workers across Pennsylvania and nationwide — ultimately leading to better care for patients.
The Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act, sponsored by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), would make it a federal crime to assault or intimidate hospital employees, and it provides $25 million in grant funding to reduce violence and intimidation in hospitals.
How does this help patients? It will make sure that your health care professionals can focus on giving you the best care, instead of worrying about their safety.
The bipartisan legislation is modeled after the steps taken to protect aircraft and airport workers who also faced increasing violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SAVE Act aims to address rising violence against health care workers by:
- Making it a federal crime to assault or intimidate hospital employees. The bill includes enhanced penalties for the use of a dangerous weapon that results in injury and acts committed during a public emergency, as well as exceptions for individuals who may be mentally incapacitated due to illness or substance use.
- Authorizing $25 million in grant funding over 10 years to reduce violence and intimidation in hospitals. Funds may be used for training, law enforcement coordination, and technology.
Stay tuned for updates on this important legislation.