Keep Them Safe: Violence Against Healthcare Workers
is a Crime in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s healthcare workers dedicate their lives to caring for others. Unfortunately, they face an alarming and unacceptable risk: workplace violence. The Keep Them Safe campaign aims to raise awareness about this critical issue and highlight the importance of protecting those who care for us.
Violence should never be a part of the job.
The Reality of Workplace Violence
The statistics are alarming: Healthcare workers face a significantly higher risk of workplace violence than
professionals in other fields. Consider these facts:
%
of all workplace violence: A staggering 64% of all workplace violence and abuse occurs in healthcare settings.
times greater risk: Healthcare and social service workers are 7.7 times more likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall.
%
Emergency physicians under attack: 91% of emergency physicians surveyed reported being threatened or attacked in the past year.
(Sources: ACEP.org)
Know the Law
Assaulting a healthcare worker in Pennsylvania is not just a minor offense—it’s an aggravated assault felony,
meaning it carries significant legal consequences.
Up to 20 years in prison
Fines up to $25,000
Permanent Criminal Record
The Impact on Healthcare
Repeated exposure to violence can cause burnout, trauma, and stress for healthcare workers.
Fear of violence can drive experienced medical professionals to leave healthcare or deter people from pursuing medical careers.
When hospitals struggle to retain staff, patients face longer wait times and reduced access to care.
Pennsylvania’s healthcare workers deserve stronger protections, and patients deserve a safe environment to heal.
LEarn More
Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP):
HAP is a leading voice in advocating for the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania.
American Hospital Association (AHA) – Workforce and Workplace Violence Prevention:
Connect with resources dedicated to preventing workplace violence and supporting healthcare workers.
the SAVE Act
The increasing incidence of violence against healthcare workers is hindering their ability to care for patients in the best way possible. To address this issue, a bipartisan bill called the SAVE Act was introduced by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN). This legislation aims to make it a federal crime to knowingly assault or intimidate hospital employees, thereby safeguarding the well-being of both healthcare workers and patients. The SAVE Act has garnered support from leading organizations such as The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania and the American Hospital Association.