Did you know?

%

of all workplace violence and abuse happens in health care settings

more likely for health care and social service workers to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall

%

In a survey of almost 2,000 emergency physicians, more than nine in ten indicated that they have been threatened or attacked in the past year.

(Sources: ACEP.org)

We support the SAVE Act

One step that would help protect our health care workers is proposed federal legislation called the Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act. The bill makes 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.

In 2022, Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) co-sponsored a bipartisan bill aimed at improving health care worker safety, but unfortunately, it did not pass. Recognizing the critical need for this legislation, Representatives Dean and Bucshon have reintroduced the bill in April 2023 for further consideration. This renewed effort demonstrates their unwavering commitment to promoting the safety of health care workers and advancing better care for patients.

Prioritizing Safety

Hospitals are places of care and hospitality, and safety is at the forefront for maintaining quality health care. While each health care provider has its own safety plan, rest assured that they’re doing everything they can to protect their workforces and their patients.
Those steps include:

Developing crisis plans for how staff should respond to an emergency, and ensuring staff members are trained on these policies

Designing facilities for safety, including security cameras and monitoring systems, safe rooms, and card-access restrictions

Taking steps to prevent personnel from working alone and to limit patient wait time

Training staff members on risk factors, warning signs, and deescalation strategies

Providing trauma counseling and support

Partnering with law enforcement and other emergency responders so they are ready to assist in an emergency