A new bill has been introduced in Pennsylvania that would require Pennsylvania hospitals and other healthcare facilities to take steps to protect nurses and other healthcare workers from workplace violence, according to a news release from the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP).
The bill, H.B. 1992, was introduced by Rep. Nicholas Micozzie (R-Delaware), and is a joint effort between PASNAP and Rep. Micozzie.
If made into law, it would require hospitals to assess their security risks, including the training level of security personnel, building design and lighting, staffing levels and hospital culture of safety. It would also require hospitals to find ways to create a safer workplace and help victims of workplace violence.
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"Our healthcare professionals work tirelessly to help protect and care for individuals when they are at their most vulnerable, and we have an obligation to make sure they are able to do their jobs in an environment that is free of the threat of violence," said Rep. Micozzie, in the release. "It was my honor to help craft this legislation, and I am hopeful it will move swiftly through both chambers and onto the governor’s desk to be signed into law."
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