The largest healthcare union in New York and the nation, 1199SEIU, applauded Governor Kathy Hochul for signing legislation (S5294A/A203A) late last Friday that addresses workplace violence in healthcare settings. 1199SEIU President Yvonne Armstrong released the following statement:

“With violence on the rise in our hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and ambulances, we thank Governor Hochul for taking this critical step to better protect healthcare workers and their patients. We also appreciate the leadership of Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda for introducing and shepherding the bill through the legislative process. Requiring healthcare employers to directly involve frontline workers in establishing comprehensive violence prevention programs will make it easier for caregivers to do their jobs–without regularly fearing for their own safety.