Addressing Workplace Violence In Healthcare: Why The Save Healthcare Workers Act Matters Now More Than Ever

Healthcare workers face some of the highest rates of workplace violence – five times more than those in other industries. According to National Nurses United, over 80% of nurses experienced workplace violence in 2023. Additionally, a January 2024 poll by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) found that 91% of emergency physicians indicated that they or a colleague had been threatened or attacked in the past year.

Despite growing awareness, these numbers are not improving. That is why the Save Healthcare Workers Act, introduced in the U.S. House and Senate in May, is so significant. If passed, this would be a federal law protecting hospital employees, making it a crime to assault hospital workers. This piece of legislation is paving the way for safer work environments for healthcare staff.

Why the Save Healthcare Workers Act Matters

Nearly 40 states have passed legislation to establish laws or increase penalties for violence against healthcare workers. The Save Healthcare Workers Act would fill these gaps, offering nationwide legal safeguards for healthcare employees.

The proposed legislation in H.R.3178/S.1600 Save Healthcare Workers Act provides a comprehensive approach to preventing workplace violence in healthcare by combining enhanced legal penalties and significant grant funding for prevention programs, including the adoption of wearable panic buttons and duress buttons.

While this proposed bill is a major step forward for setting public expectations regarding zero tolerance for violence against healthcare workers, there is still an immediate need for increased safety measures to protect the physical and emotional well-being of frontline workers. Healthcare organizations that work proactively to increase safety for their providers will see stronger employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

Strategies for Healthcare Organizations to Implement Today

Identify and Act On Staff Concerns: It is critical for healthcare leaders to identify, understand, and address the full range of issues facing their workforce. From understaffing and burnout rates to the persistent threat of workplace violence, healthcare workers must be heard – and know that their concerns will lead to meaningful action. A 2024 ACEP survey revealed that 68% of healthcare professionals felt their employer mishandled their report of workplace violence, and 50% said no action was taken at all. This reality underscores the urgency for healthcare organizations to do more. Listening is the first step—but concrete action must be taken to protect healthcare workers.

For organizations requiring funding to make safety investments, low-cost first steps can be taken in preparation for grant funding. For example, staff surveys and risk assessments can establish a baseline before making capital investments.

Enforce Zero-Tolerance Policies: Safety needs to be a fundamental part of healthcare organizations’ operations. By enforcing zero-tolerance policies for violence, healthcare leaders can promote an environment that is both physically and psychologically safe. This can be done by ensuring de-escalation protocols are implemented and regularly practiced, as well as enforcing protocols for outside visitors. This will not only support staff retention but can also lead to improved patient care and experiences.

Implement Safety Technology: Healthcare facilities should consider a comprehensive approach to safety technology – one that encapsulates surveillance and monitoring, visitor management, digital mapping and locating, and wearable duress solutions. These tools play an essential role in enabling staff to discreetly call for help and mitigate potentially violent situations before they escalate.

However, healthcare organizations should be cautious of implementing Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) to protect personnel. Many of these solutions were designed to track assets and optimize workflows, not to protect people. Healthcare professionals want to feel empowered and supported, not monitored and tracked. There is a crucial distinction between technologies that empower staff and those that can negatively impact adoption and foster disengagement. Solutions that are easy to use, purpose-built for personal safety, and focused on protecting people, not just processes, but are far more likely to gain traction and deliver meaningful impact.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not the Save Healthcare Workers Act becomes law, one thing is clear: healthcare worker safety must be a national priority. While the future of the proposed legislation is uncertain, the potential impact is significant, representing a meaningful step toward safeguarding those who care for our communities.

In the meantime, it is essential that healthcare organizations take proactive steps to support their staff and foster safer, more supportive work environments. Just recently, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) released a bulletin that includes recommendations to improve security (e.g., adopting wearable duress buttons), boost emergency readiness, support mental health, and enhance information sharing in healthcare settings.

Prioritizing employee well-being and safety demonstrates a commitment to the people at the core of the healthcare system. Regardless of the bill’s outcome, reducing workplace violence in healthcare settings is an ongoing effort that is crucial to improving staff retention, patient care, and the overall resilience of the healthcare system.