New legislation amends NYS Public Health Law to protect healthcare workers by requiring hospitals and nursing homes to develop workplace violence safety and security prevention programs.

Members from 1199SEIU and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) joined forces to lobby lawmakers in Albany to amend the public health law by requiring hospitals and nursing homes to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence safety and prevention programs and improve security in emergency rooms.

By passing bills S5294A/ A203A sponsored by Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Senator Luis Sepulveda, the state legislators took critical steps toward improving the health and safety of New York’s hospitals and nursing homes.

Workplace violence is an epidemic that is getting worse. This legislation will help ensure that nurses and other frontline caregivers are protected and that patients and their families can receive care in safe environments. Healthcare workers thank Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for prioritizing this crucial legislation. They will continue to advocate for policies that ensure that hospitals and nursing homes remain places of health and healing where all can receive care without fear.