1199SEIU members joined with other healthcare workers and state lawmakers today in urging the New York State Legislature to pass a bill addressing workplace violence in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers explained violence in their workplaces is steadily increasing and requires state action to help protect caregivers and their patients. 

“Our main objective as lawmakers is to solve problems through legislative change. This piece of legislation is critical to protect healthcare workers from the alarming rise in violence inside our hospitals—especially in emergency departments. It was developed in close collaboration with 1199SEIU, the New York State Nurses Association, the Greater New York Hospital Association, and emergency physicians to create a solution that works for everyone. It’s rare to see labor and hospitals on the same page, and their unified support shows just how serious this crisis is. Although the process has not been easy, we’re not backing down. We’re working closely with all parties to finalize a path forward. Our healthcare workers deserve safety, and we’re committed to getting this bill passed,” said Assemblymember Catalina Cruz.

"As violence against healthcare workers continues to rise, we cannot sit back and allow hospitals to operate without comprehensive prevention plans in place. S5294 is a necessary step toward protecting the people who care for us -- our nurses, doctors, and frontline hospital staff–as well as the patients and families who rely on these institutions every day. This legislation ensures that every facility takes proactive, transparent steps to assess risk, involve workers in the safety process, and maintain a secure environment for all. I’m proud to sponsor this bill and stand with my colleagues in making our healthcare system safer and more accountable,” said State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda.

Legislation (S5294A/A203A) introduced by New York Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda would require employers to establish a violence prevention program. Workplace violence is a major challenge confronting healthcare workers that has steadily increased over the past years, with a major uptick happening during the pandemic. These acts of violence can include physical violence, verbal violence, and sexual harassment. 

“We recently had a patient in a very agitated state over difficulty accessing their medication. He eventually stormed out, but not before threatening all of us and directing racist remarks at the staff. This is not the first time I was threatened at a clinic. I worked at another clinic for 15 years where our reception area was protected by bullet-proof glass, and have seen my fair share of violence and threats from patients, explained Elizabeth Rodriguez, an 1199SEIU member who works as a senior clerk at a hospital clinic in the Bronx. “It’s only fair to ask our elected representatives to enact legal protections for essential workers who put ourselves in harm’s way to provide quality care to our fellow New Yorkers.”

"Workplace violence is a serious and growing problem in healthcare. We need nurses to feel safe in their workplaces, and we need our hospitals to take action. NYSNA nurses urge the passage of this important legislation, which would take vital steps to address this issue and ensure that healthcare workers feel safer in their workplaces and are able to focus on safe patient care," said Tonia Bazel, RN, a NYSNA member on the infectious disease unit at Albany Medical Center.

“Unfortunately, nurses and other healthcare workers are routinely physically and verbally assaulted,” said Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO. “This endangers patient safety as well. Everyone in a healthcare setting should feel safe, and we must do everything possible to ensure they are, in fact, safe. This bill will help protect patients, the public, and healthcare workers by doing all we can to prevent violence from happening in the first place.  It will require employers to work with unions and their workers to conduct violence assessments and take corrective action in situations of potential violence.”

“Doctors, nurses, and support staff provide critical medical care in emergency departments” said Assemblymember Harvey Epstein. “While doing their job caring for people in distress, they are often exposed to violence and abuse. I am proud to cosponsor A203a which will establish a violence prevention program in emergency departments to ensure a safe environment for staff, allowing patients to receive the best possible care.”

"Violence should never be part of the job—especially for the healthcare professionals who are on the front lines saving lives every day," said Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara "This legislation takes meaningful steps to protect doctors, nurses, and hospital staff by requiring comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. I'm proud to cosponsor this bill and stand with 1199SEIU and all our healthcare workers to make sure they have the safe working conditions they deserve,” 

Prior to the pandemic, 44% of nurses reported experiencing physical violence in a care setting, then that number jumped to 68% during the pandemic. 55% of caregivers report incidents of workplace violence in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. Many caregivers have begun indicating violence at work as a factor in leaving healthcare jobs.