Four states seek to reduce hospital violence

Missouri, New York, Utah and Virginia are taking steps to reduce hospital violence. A bill under consideration in Missouri would require certain healthcare facilities to form workplace violence prevention committees or authorize existing committees to develop prevention plans. Hospitals also would be required to hang a sign in emergency department waiting rooms and labor and delivery departments saying assaulting a healthcare professional is a crime. Starting Sept. 18, New York will require hospitals to establish a workplace violence prevention program and require security personnel in EDs located in cities or counties with at least one million people. Utah stipulates hospitals must implement comprehensive workplace violence reporting systems by Nov. 1. Virginia prohibits firearms and other weapons inside medical facilities providing mental health and developmental services. (Becker’s Hospital review article, 6/11/26)