Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dean and Bucshon introduced the Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act. This bill, which is modeled after current protections for aircraft and airport workers – like flight crews and attendants – would provide legal penalties for individuals who knowingly and intentionally assault or intimidate hospital employees.
The incidence of hospital violence across the country has been growing in recent years. And while hospitals and health systems have protocols to detect and deter violence on their property, the toll of workplace violence on hospital employees can be immense. While physical and psychological harm are the primary consequences, disruptions caused by violence and intimidation in health care settings frequently prevent hospital staff from providing the best possible care.
Currently, there is no federal law that protects hospital employees from assault and intimidation. This bill, modeled after similar protections enacted for aircraft and airport workers, would criminalize assault or intimidation of hospital employees – with protections for individuals who may be mentally incapacitated due to illness or substance use. Enhanced penalties for those who knowingly assault and intimidate hospital employees will deter further violence and ensure future offenders are given proper punishments for their crimes.
“Violence in hospitals has been growing with increasing frequency for years,” Rep. Dean said. “This...
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