The Senate is discussing new legislation that would be instrumental in decreasing workplace violence in the healthcare industry. In early May 2022, Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. However, hospital managers and CEOs are likely to complain about this new bill.
Workplace Violence Prevention Bill
The House of Representatives previously passed a bill similar to the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. Nurses and other healthcare workers have shown support for this act, as many claim current federal regulations do not fully protect employees.
The previous bipartisan bill requires that OSHA create a federal mandate to ensure workplace violence prevention programs are in place at healthcare and social services facilities. This act is very important as it puts in place greater protections for healthcare workers’ safety and lives. Senator Baldwin is very confident that the new proposed legislation will also be passed in the Senate. This will hopefully make hospitals and other healthcare facilities safer for employees and patients.
Nurses Need More Protection
Nurses and other healthcare workers have faced while several difficulties working through the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, worker shortages and limited protective equipment have caused many nurses to feel unsafe when working. Therefore, this legislation is instrumental in offering greater protections to healthcare workers.
Also, a survey from National Nurses United reported that workplace violence has increased in several different areas of the country. From verbal threats to physical attacks, nurses and healthcare employees are facing unsafe conditions at work.
Hospital Industry Struggles with Workplace Violence Prevention
Hospital managers are reluctant to create workplace violence programs within their organizations. If OSHA mandated these plans, hospital management would be forced to respond to this issue.
Even if the workplace violence legislation were to pass a bipartisan vote in the Senate, there still is a chance that the healthcare industry may oppose it. This is because hospitals have become increasingly wary on creating programs that may cost them money. Therefore, it is unclear about whether this bill will become enacted, and if employee safety will be protected.
Get Certified
American Medical Compliance (AMC) is a leader in the industry for compliance, billing, and HR solutions. AMC offers a Violence in the Workplace for Healthcare Providers course to help you learn how to prevent and combat workplace violence. Visit www.americanmedicalcompliance.com for more information.
Reference:
Fierce Healthcare (2022, May 11). New bill aims to require hospitals to create workplace violence prevention plan. Retrieved from: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/new-bill-aims-require-hospitals-create-workplace-violence-prevention-plan
