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Legislative bills

Bipartisan Bill to Protect Nurses and Healthcare Workers Against Workplace Violence Gains Momentum

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the nation celebrates National Nurses Week, a bipartisan bill to safeguard nurses, healthcare workers, and social service employees against workplace violence has made significant progress in the U.S. Senate. Introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) to the Senate, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195/S. 4182) builds on the House bill championed by Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), which passed with a bipartisan majority of 254-166 in April 2021. The legislation aims to curb rising rates of on-the-job assaults against healthcare professionals by requiring OSHA to issue a standard for workplace violence prevention plans. The bill has garnered strong endorsements from healthcare and social service professionals, unions, and the Biden Administration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act seeks to address the growing crisis of on-the-job violence against healthcare professionals, who already face unprecedented stress and obstacles during the pandemic.
  • Rep. Joe Courtney's bill has already passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority of 254-166, with official support from the Biden Administration.
  • The legislation aims to address rising rates of on-the-job assaults against healthcare professionals by requiring OSHA to issue a standard for workplace violence prevention plans.
  • The bill has garnered endorsements from a host of healthcare and social service professionals, unions representing workers in these sectors, and the Biden Administration.
  • Senator Tammy Baldwin has introduced the Senate version of the bill, building on the work of Rep. Courtney and the bipartisan support in the House.
  • According to Rep. Courtney, nurses did not join the profession to take abuse, and the best way to retain and recruit qualified healthcare professionals is to ensure they do not have to worry about getting physically assaulted at work.
  • Senator Baldwin has stated, "Our nurses, doctors, social services workers, and healthcare professionals deserve to work in a safe environment free from violence."
  • Bonnie Castillo, RN and executive director of NNU, has emphasized that the legislation will hold healthcare and social service employers accountable for the safety of their workers, adding that everyone deserves to be safe in their workplace.

Statistics:

  • The bill has already passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority of 254-166.
  • In April 2021, the House voted to pass the bill, marking a significant step in advancing the legislation.
  • The bill has been endorsed by a host of healthcare and social service professionals, unions, and the Biden Administration.

Sources:

  • Rep. Joe Courtney, Rep. Joe Courtney Statement on Introduction of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act.
  • Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill to Protect Healthcare Workers from Violence.
  • Bonnie Castillo, RN and executive director of NNU, NNU Statement on the Introduction of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act.

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