Healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, 93% of all workplace assaults are committed against healthcare professionals.
A 2024 survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians revealed that 91% of emergency physicians had either personally experienced violence or knew a colleague who had. These incidents are not confined to emergency rooms or psychiatric units; violence has been reported in clinics, maternity units, administrative offices, and even among executive leadership.
The financial burden of violence is staggering. A 2023 report by the American Hospital Association (AHA) estimated that violence costs U.S. hospitals $18.27 billion annually, including $3.62 billion in prevention efforts and $14.65 billion in post-event costs such as healthcare, staffing, legal fees, and infrastructure repair.
These figures do not account for indirect costs such as damage to public perception, legal liabilities, and the psychological toll on staff.
Beyond financial costs, the human toll is profound. Healthcare workers subjected to violence often suffer from psychological distress, burnout, and job dissatisfaction. These effects ripple through the system, leading to increased turnover, compromised patient care, and difficulty recruiting new staff.
A 2023 survey revealed that 45.5% of nurses reported an increase in workplace violence, and 60% had either left or considered leaving their jobs due to safety concerns. Between 2011 and 2018, 156 healthcare workers were killed at their workplaces in the U.S., averaging 20 deaths per year.
Given the scale and severity of the issue, violence prevention programs are not optional—they are essential. These programs aim to reduce incidents, protect staff, and foster a culture of safety.
Effective programs include:
- Training in de-escalation techniques
- Clear reporting protocols
- Environmental modifications (e.g., security cameras, duress buttons)
- Mental health support for affected staff
- Collaboration between clinical, security, and administrative teams
Legislative action has become a cornerstone in the efforts to reduce violence within the healthcare industry. Recognizing the urgency, the 119th Congress introduced the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178 / S.1600) in 2025. This bipartisan legislation would make violent attacks on healthcare workers a federal crime, similar to the protection for airline workers. The bill aims to deter violence through stronger penalties and federal enforcement, while also supporting prevention programs through grant funding.
States have also acknowledged the importance of implementing local legislation as a supplementary strategy to address violence in healthcare settings. Minnesota Statute §144.566 was enacted to address and mitigate violence against healthcare workers in hospital settings. The law defines an “act of violence” broadly, including physical assaults (e.g., kicking, scratching), sexual harassment, and other behaviors outlined in Minnesota criminal statutes (§609.221 to §609.2241).
Key provisions include:
- Facility Requirements: All healthcare facilities must develop and implement preparedness and incident response action plans to address acts of violence. These plans must be reviewed and updated annually.
- Committee Formation: Healthcare facilities must designate a committee composed of healthcare workers (including non-managerial staff), administrators, and safety experts to develop and oversee these plans.
- Training Mandate: Healthcare facilities are required to provide annual training and onboarding education for all healthcare workers on safety protocols during violent incidents.
- Reporting Protections: The statute prohibits healthcare systems from interfering with or retaliating against healthcare workers who report acts of violence. Retaliation includes disciplinary actions or changes to employment conditions.
- Environmental Safety: The law also identifies workplace violence hazards, such as poorly lit areas, isolated workspaces, and unsecured entry points, which healthcare facilities must address in their safety planning.
Organizations like the Joint Commission have published frameworks and toolkits to help healthcare leaders implement violence prevention strategies. These resources emphasize:
- Embedding safety into daily operations
- Using data to guide decision-making
- Creating multidisciplinary safety teams
- Holding all staff accountable for safety culture
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement also advocates for workforce-wide engagement, noting that violence prevention must extend beyond frontline staff to include leadership, support roles, and even patients and visitors.
Violence in healthcare is a public health emergency that threatens the well-being of caregivers and the quality of patient care. The data is clear: without proactive measures, the crisis will continue to escalate. Implementing robust violence prevention programs is not just a strategic imperative—it is a moral one. By investing in safety, healthcare organizations can protect their most valuable asset: the people who dedicate their lives to healing others.
Violence prevention tools continue to evolve, serving as a transformative foundation for enhancing patient care and ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. A recent segment aired by Minneapolis news station KARE 11 offered valuable insight into a water-based chemical irritant that is reshaping violence prevention programs across the United States.
Understanding the tools available in the market that support programs aimed at preventing violence in healthcare is essential to fostering greater awareness and effectiveness.
Brian M. Mixdorf
Brian Mixdorf is a dedicated and accomplished security operations professional with over 30 years of experience in security, risk mitigation, and operational leadership.
As Regional Security Field Operations for a well-respected healthcare system in Minnesota, Brian oversees the implementation of strategic security initiatives across multiple sites, ensuring the safety of personnel, assets, and infrastructure.
Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Cloud State University and maintains professional certification as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Throughout his career, Brian has led numerous initiatives involving incident response planning, threat analysis, and security technology integration. His ability to navigate complex challenges and foster cross-functional collaboration has earned him recognition as a trusted leader in the field.
Based in Minneapolis, MN, Brian continues to drive innovation and resilience in healthcare security operations, contributing to a safer and more secure organizational environment.
