U.S. Reps. Madeleine Dean and Larry Bucshon, MD, have reintroduced a bill to protect healthcare workers from violence that is modeled after existing protections for aircraft and airport workers.
The Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees Act would criminalize assault or intimidation of hospital employees, the lawmakers said in an April 19 news release. There would be protections for those 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," they said in the release.
This is not the first time Ms. Dean and Dr. Bucshon have introduced the Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees Act. They introduced the legislation in June 2022 and, most recently, on April 13.