An act relating to prevention of workplace violence in health care settings.
Studies show that violence in the workplace is a significant cause of occupational injury and death.
Health care facilities in particular are the sites of consistent amounts of workplace violence. From 1992 to 1995, social services and health services accounted for 51 percent of assault-related claims. The five most violence-prone industries involve psychiatric care and nursing care. Psychiatric hospitals had the highest rate of assault of any industry, averaging 90 injuries per 1,000 workers over the four-year period. Health care employers, including private and state hospitals, mental health facilities, home care agencies, and community mental health programs, must develop and implement workplace violence protection programs.