Protect Workers from Workplace Violence

HD1835/SD 580: An Act requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence, filed by Representative Garlick & Senator Lovely. Nurses are assaulted on the job more than police officers and prison guards, with more than 70% of hospital emergency department nurses reporting being assaulted during their career. This bill would require healthcare employers to perform an annual safety risk assessment and, based on those findings, develop and implement programs to minimize workplace violence’s danger to employees and patients. It would also provide time off for health care workers assaulted on the job to address legal issues and require semiannual reporting of assaults on health care employees.