New Legislative Efforts to Protect Health Care Workers
The Save Healthcare Workers Act aims to offer unprecedented protection for health care staff.
Violence in emergency departments has surged, with emergency nurses facing particularly high risks. Despite making up only 10% of the national workforce, health care professionals account for nearly half of all missed workdays due to assaults. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for effective legislative action.
Although numerous states have enacted laws over the past decade to enhance penalties for violence against health care workers, the absence of a federal law remains a significant gap. This situation is set to change with the introduction of a vital new bill.
The Save Healthcare Workers Act
Recently introduced, the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178/S. 1600) marks a crucial step in safeguarding hospital employees. Spearheaded by Rep. Madeleine Dean and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, the legislation seeks to enable federal authorities to prosecute individuals who assault health care personnel with federal charges. Enhanced penalties may be imposed for scenarios involving deadly or dangerous weapons, depending on the circumstances of the assault.
Ryan Oglesby, President of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), emphasized the transformative impact of this legislation, stating, "For many emergency department nurses, violence seems to be an accepted part of the job and that shouldn't be the case. Nurses are there to help others, not become patients themselves. ENA is unwavering in its commitment to ensure that all emergency nurses feel safe and supported while at work." This message underscores the need for a safer work environment for those dedicated to caring for others.
Workplace Violence Prevention Initiatives
In addition to the Save Healthcare Workers Act, the ENA has been actively advocating for another significant piece of legislation: the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 2531 and S. 1232). This bill, recently reintroduced by Rep. Joe Courtney and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, mandates the Department of Labor to create a national standard concerning workplace violence within health care and social service settings.
The implementation of such standards would necessitate hospitals to develop robust workplace violence prevention plans. Research indicates that effective strategies can mitigate the severity of workplace violence incidents, improve nurses' coping skills, and ultimately reduce occurrences of such violence.
Commitment to Safety in Health Care
Workplace violence has consistently remained a top priority for the ENA. The organization has historically championed similar initiatives to foster a safer work environment for health care providers. Notably, in 2019, ENA collaborated with the American College of Emergency Physicians to initiate the No Silence on ED Violence campaign. This movement was dedicated to raising awareness about workplace violence and equipping emergency nurses and physicians with essential resources.
About the Emergency Nurses Association
The Emergency Nurses Association is at the forefront of defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, and innovation. Founded in 1970, ENA has become a crucial resource for the global community of emergency nursing. With a membership base nearing 45,000 worldwide, ENA dedicates itself to enhancing patient safety, developing leading practice standards, and influencing emergency health care public policy.
ENA members demonstrate expertise across various areas, including triage, patient care, and disaster preparedness. Their commitment not only enhances the quality of emergency services but also strengthens the profession as a whole.
ENA Media Contact:
Morgan Wietecha
Media Relations Strategist
847.460.4038
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Save Healthcare Workers Act?
The Save Healthcare Workers Act aims to protect health care employees from violence by allowing federal prosecution for assaults against them.
Who introduced the Save Healthcare Workers Act?
The bill was introduced by Rep. Madeleine Dean and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.
What does the Workplace Violence Prevention Act entail?
This act requires the Department of Labor to develop a national standard for workplace violence in health care settings.
How is ENA involved in advocating for health care workers' safety?
ENA actively supports legislation aimed at preventing workplace violence and raises awareness through campaigns like No Silence on ED Violence.
How many members does ENA have?
ENA boasts a membership of nearly 45,000 individuals dedicated to the field of emergency nursing.
