Making a Move Against Workplace Violence

Mar 1

The voices of US healthcare workers have been heard regarding the prevalence of workplace violence. The Joint Commission provided new standards regarding safeguards and requirements for using data to drive improvements (https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/r3-report/r3-report-issue-30-workplace-violence-prevention-standards/ ). The cumulative voices are resulting in states moving to pass legislation that could serve as a further deterrent to acts of violence in the healthcare setting. Here are 6 states that have taken action and the links to legislation:

Maryland- 1 House Bill

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0267?ys=2022rs

Michigan- 2 House Bills

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(21ahfolbidkq3j3jmlfhb3gh))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2022-HB-5682

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(0sjtfj3bvae2b2rybqd22sec))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2021-HB-5084&query=on

New Jersey- Introducing Legislation

https://www.assemblydems.com/assembly-majority-leader-greenwald-senator-singleton-announce-upcoming-introduction-of-legislation-to-protect-health-care-workers/

Oregon- House Bill Introduced

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB4142/Introduced

Utah- Has passed legislation in house and senate that increased the penalty and now awaits governor’s approval.

https://le.utah.gov/~2022/bills/static/HB0032.html

Wisconsin-Passed Legislation making it a felony to threaten a healthcare worker. The measure still needs to pass the senate.