SD 1281/HD802 An Act Requiring Health Care Employers to Develop and Implement Programs to Prevent Workplace Violence

S1427/H1416 An Act Requiring Health Care Employers to Develop and Implement Programs to Prevent Workplace Violence
Lead Sponsors: Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Denise Garlick

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 health care employers to perform an annual safety risk assessment and, based on those findings, develop and implement programs to minimize the danger of workplace violence 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.