A Call to Action: Ending Violence in Hospitals
Each year, we celebrate #HAVhope Friday to raise awareness about the efforts of America's hospitals and health systems in preventing violence. This year, on June 7th, the American Hospital Association (AHA) marks our eighth annual Hospitals Against Violence #HAVhope Friday with a spotlight on the SAVE Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768), bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting healthcare workers from workplace violence.
Did you know that healthcare workers are five times more likely to be victims of workplace violence than workers in any other profession? In the last two years alone, 44% of nurses reported being subjected to physical violence, and 68% experienced verbal abuse. These disturbing statistics highlight the urgent need for protective measures in healthcare settings.
Violence in hospitals not only endangers the lives of healthcare workers but also disrupts their ability to provide quality care. It leads to decreased productivity, higher employee turnover, and adverse patient outcomes. No healthcare worker should consider violence as "part of their job." They all deserve an environment that is safe and free from fear.
The Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act addresses this critical issue by providing federal protections for healthcare workers. Here's a brief summary of its key provisions:
- Prevention of Violence Against Hospital Personnel
- The SAVE Act acknowledges the severity of assault and intimidation against hospital employees and the need for greater federal law enforcement involvement.
- It mandates that anyone who knowingly assaults or intimidates a healthcare worker during their duties shall face fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years.
- Enhanced Penalties
- Acts involving dangerous weapons or resulting in bodily injury shall incur fines and imprisonment of up to 20 years.
- Acts committed during public emergency declarations will also face enhanced penalties, including fines and imprisonment of up to 20 years.
Hospitals and health systems play a vital role in the national economy, creating jobs and supporting economic growth. In 2021, hospitals directly employed 6,350,000 individuals and supported 17,815,000 jobs across the interstate economy. However, workplace violence threatens this stability and the well-being of healthcare professionals.
According to the FBI, two of the 28 active shooter incidents in 2019 occurred in healthcare facilities, presenting unique challenges such as hazardous materials, restricted access areas, and a vulnerable patient population. Immediate and continuous access to evidence-based treatments is crucial for victims and survivors of such incidents.
Recent studies have shown that workplace violence has severe consequences for the entire healthcare system. It causes physical and psychological injury to healthcare workers, making it difficult for them to provide quality patient care. Violent interactions at healthcare facilities also delay urgently needed care for other patients and tie up valuable resources.
At Midland Memorial Hospital (MMH), we have implemented several measures to prevent workplace violence:
- Culture of Ownership: We promote a culture that does not tolerate toxic emotional behaviors like incivility, disrespect, and bullying.
- Police Department: We established the Midland County Hospital District (MCHD) Police Department to assist in mitigating acts of violence on our campuses.
- Situational Awareness Training: MMH Leadership and MCHD Police Officers have educated staff to be situationally aware and trained in self-protection techniques.
- Regular Drills: We engage our staff in drills for bomb threats and active shooter scenarios, often involving local emergency response organizations.
- Community Education: Our nurses, medical providers, and other staff regularly educate the community about preventing gun and knife violence, sexual assaults, and other forms of violence.
The American Hospital Association urges Congress to pass the SAVE Act. This bipartisan, bicameral effort is crucial for providing federal protections for healthcare employees, similar to those that exist for flight crews and airport workers. No healthcare worker should have to fear for their safety while performing their duties. By enacting the SAVE Act, we can create a safer environment for healthcare professionals and ensure they can continue providing their patients with the highest quality of care.
Join us in supporting the SAVE Act. RT and show your support for this critical piece of legislation. Together, we can make a difference and protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
For more information on #HAVhope and how to get involved, visit the American Hospital Association's
website. Let's work together to end violence in hospitals and create a safer future for all healthcare workers.