New Legislation Amends Public Health Law to Protect Healthcare Workers by Requiring Hospitals and Nursing Homes to Develop Workplace Violence Safety and Security Prevention Programs

Healthcare workers from 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East (1199SEIU) and New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) applaud the New York state legislature for passing bills (S5294A/A203A) to amend 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. This legislation, sponsored by Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Senator Luis Sepulveda, takes critical steps toward improving the health and safety of our hospitals and nursing homes.  

Workplace violence is an epidemic and is only getting worse. This legislation will help ensure nurses and other frontline caregivers are protected, and that patients and their families are able to receive care in safe environments. Healthcare workers thank Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for prioritizing this crucial legislation, and we 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.