Louisiana is cracking down on violence against healthcare workers after a nurse died from injuries linked to a patient attack last month, reports The Advocate.
At least four patients in Baton Rouge, La., have been arrested this month over circumstances involving violence against hospital employees.
A patient from Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge was arrested May 14 after he allegedly slapped an emergency room employee. A behavioral health patient at the hospital was also arrested May 15 for allegedly attacking another patient and two hospital employees.
Workplace safety advocates are split on whether arresting patients, especially those with mental health issues, is beneficial. Some argue healthcare facilities need to take a more proactive approach to address workplace safety by boosting staffing levels, among other actions.