Bipartisan Bill Aims to Protect Healthcare Workers from Violence
AHA
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
The Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) has been introduced in Congress to provide federal protections for healthcare workers from violence, similar to protections for airline personnel. Sponsored by bipartisan representatives and senators, the bill aims to criminalize assaults on hospital staff as the healthcare sector faces rising violence against workers. AHA President Rick Pollack underscored the necessity of safe work environments for healthcare providers, noting that such violence impacts their well-being and the quality of patient care, which can exacerbate staff shortages and burnout. The legislation seeks to strengthen penalties for those who commit violence against healthcare workers to deter such incidents.
