Protecting Hospital Employees from Workplace Violence

Hospitals should be places of healing and hope where both patients and staff feel safe. Unfortunately, health care workers in any setting are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other industries.

That’s why the Children’s Hospital Association supports the bipartisan Save Healthcare Workers Act that was introduced in May by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Sen. Angus King (I-ME) and Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).

The Save Healthcare Workers Act would make assaulting a hospital worker a federal crime and protect them anywhere on the hospital’s grounds. These protections are similar to existing protections for aircraft and airport workers.

Workforce violence in hospitals

Protections for hospital workers are vital, given the increased risk they face in the workplace. Consider these statistics:

• 26% of nurses are considering changing jobs due to workplace violence
• 48% of hospital workplace violence incidents are unreported.
• 91% of emergency physicians have been threatened, physically assaulted, or know a colleague who has been.
• These facts coincide with an ongoing pediatric health care workforce shortage. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the shortage, but the problem has continued in the intervening years.

A 2023 CHA analysis shows children's hospitals continue to experience shortages across pediatric care fields. Specifically, children's hospitals reported severe pediatric physician vacancies in neurological, behavioral, and mental health specialties. Six pediatric non-physician workforce professional areas are also facing severe shortages at a third or more of children’s hospitals.

Protecting health care workers

It’s never been more important to give hospital workers the protections they need and deserve. Federal protection is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. By ensuring the safety of our health care workers, we are safeguarding the quality of care for patients and upholding the dignity of those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

Join us in supporting the Save Healthcare Workers Act to create a safer and more supportive environment where these essential professionals can care for kids.