Senate introduces workplace violence prevention bill

U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., this week introduced the AONL- and AHA-supported Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (S. 2768). The legislation would make it a federal crime to assault health care workers in hospitals, with enhanced penalties for assaults resulting in serious bodily injury. The bill would require the Government Accountability Office to study the legislation’s effectiveness in reducing violence against the health care workforce. In April, similar legislation was introduced in the House. “The sharp rise in violence against caregivers is clearly documented, yet no federal law exists to protect them,” said Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association. “Enactment of this bipartisan legislation would be a significant step forward in protecting our workforce.” (Manchin news release, 9/12/23)