Workplace Violence Prevention Bill Introduced

Reps. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, introduced an AONL-supported bill to address escalating incidences of violence against health care workers by establishing federal criminal penalties for assaulting hospital employees. The Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178), which also is supported by the American Hospital Association, mirrors current protections for aircraft and airport workers, such as flight crews and attendants. Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Angus King, I-Maine, introduced companion legislation (S. 1600). Previously named the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act, the bill includes protections for people who may be mentally incapacitated due to illness or substance use. AONL sent letters of support to the House and Senate bill sponsors. (Rep. Dean news release, 5/5/25)