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Reps. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., and Larry Bucshon, R-Ind., today introduced the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act, AHA-supported legislation that would give health care workers the same legal protections against assault and intimidation that flight crews and airport workers have under federal law.
“Workers who dedicate themselves to saving lives deserve a safe environment — free of violence and intimidation — in which to deliver care,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “We are pleased to support the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act introduced today by Representatives Dean (D-PA) and Bucshon (R-IN). 

“The surge in assaults against the health care workforce cannot continue and we must do everything we can to protect them. Our workforce is enduring historic levels of stress and violence as they continue to provide compassionate, quality care throughout the pandemic. Hospitals and health systems are committed to ensuring a safe work environment for our employees.

“We will not let up in ensuring that all hospital and health system workers feel safe in the vital work they perform.”

Earlier this year, AHA raised the issue of workplace violence against health care workers to the attention of Attorney General Merrick Garland and urged the Department of Justice to support legislation to establish federal protections for the health care workforce. 

For more on the need for a federal legislative response to health care workplace violence and intimidation, see the AHA fact sheet.