Last year, Healthy Me PA let you know about the introduction of the Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act, which would make it a federal crime to assault or intimidate hospital employees and provide $25 million in grant funding to reduce violence and intimidation in hospitals. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), didn’t quite make it to the finish line in 2022, so this month, they have reintroduced this legislation that aims to support not only the safety and security of our hospital and health care workers, but would ultimately lead to better care for patients.
By prioritizing the protection and well-being of these critical members of our communities, Representatives Dean and Bucshon demonstrate their strong commitment to this cause. Ensuring that our health care workers have the necessary support to work in a safe environment will allow them to focus on providing high-quality care to you, their patients.
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 additional updates.