Healthcare Workforce Coalition Applauds Bill to Protect Healthcare Workers from Violence

Washington, DC, May 07, 2025 – The bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-02) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) to protect healthcare workers from violence and abuse in the workplace has been praised by the Healthcare Workforce Coalition.

The Save Healthcare Workers Act (S. 1600/H.R. 3178) aims to impose legal consequences on individuals who deliberately assault hospital employees. It also seeks to empower hospitals to improve security measures and collaborate more effectively with law enforcement by establishing a grant program.

Rick Pollack, President and CEO of the American Hospital Association, commended the legislators for introducing this legislation, emphasizing the need for federal protection against workplace violence in healthcare settings.

In response to the rising violence against healthcare workers, Eric E. Howell, CEO of the Society of Hospital Medicine, stressed the importance of passing the Save Healthcare Workers Act to provide enhanced safeguards for healthcare professionals.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of violence against healthcare workers have surged, with high percentages of nurses and emergency physicians reporting physical and verbal abuse. The proposed bill would impose fines and imprisonment for those who assault hospital staff, with harsher penalties for severe offenses.

The Healthcare Workforce Coalition appreciates the leadership of Rep. Miller-Meeks, Rep. Dean, Sen. Hyde-Smith, and Sen. King in addressing this critical issue and urges swift passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act to combat violence in healthcare.

The Healthcare Workforce Coalition serves as a unified voice advocating for solutions to address healthcare workforce shortages by bringing together stakeholders across various fields within the healthcare sector.