Editor's Note Because of the rising incidence of violence in healthcare settings, nearly 40 states have laws that establish or strengthen penalties for assaults on healthcare workers, and 29 more have approved or are working on similar laws, the May 15 KFF Health News reports. Some laws would allow healthcare…
Editor's Note New Jersey Gov Phil Murphy, on May 8, signed legislation that criminalizes threats against healthcare workers (HCWs), the May 9 Becker’s Hospital Review reports. The “Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act,” makes it a disorderly person offense to threaten any HCW, “with the intent to intimidate, interfere with,…
Editor's Note In a letter, the American Hospitals Association, on April 19, announced its support for the reintroduction of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act (H.R. 2584), which would give healthcare workers legal protections against assault and intimidation similar to that of flight crews and airport workers. The…
Takeaways Gun-related violence is an increasing threat in healthcare settings, including perianesthesia departments and ASCs. Small hospitals and ACS are not immune to active shooter events. New requirements from The Joint Commission require planning and preparation for active shooter events. Elizabeth Dalton, BSN, RN, will never forget the day her…
Much has been written about bullying, lateral violence, cultures of safety, and a healthy work environment. However, little has been written to address the escalation of violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) coming not only from peers but also patients and visitors. Violence against HCWs has increased significantly. A 2022 report…
Editor's Note Burnout in the healthcare workforce is a significant challenge hospitals and healthcare systems face, and a September 27 webinar hosted by US News and World Report tackled the many efforts hospital leaders are undertaking to address it. Among the various reasons cited as contributing to the problem—including rising…
Editor's Note In a recent American College of Emergency Physicians survey, some 85% of emergency physicians say they believe violence in US emergency departments (EDs) has risen over the past 5 years, and 45% say it has “greatly increased,” the September 22 EmergencyPhysicians.org reports Two-thirds of the 3,000 physicians surveyed…