WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) introduced bipartisan legislation to curb violence against health care workers. The Save Healthcare Workers Act would help deter and prevent violence against health care workers by making it easier to prosecute individuals who commit violence against hospital employees.

The legislation would establish fines and federal criminal penalties for persons convicted of assaulting hospital personnel, with increased penalties for the use of deadly or dangerous weapons or infliction of bodily harm. These penalties would provide hospital staff with the same existing protections given to flight attendants and airport workers. If passed, the Save Healthcare Workers Act would be the first federal law to protect threatened hospital employees — including those who work in states that have not enacted laws imposing penalties for harming healthcare workers.

“Maine’s health care workers deserve respect and appreciation for the work they do to keep our communities safe and healthy — there should never be injuries in the lines of duty for those delivering care,” said Senator King. “As violence against health care workers rises, we have a duty to protect the men and women serving in hospitals and health care facilities. The bipartisan Save Healthcare Workers Act will help to combat this senseless violence and ensure it no longer goes unpunished — keeping staff safe and free from harm so they’re able to focus on patient care.”

“I am proud that Mississippi has been leading the way by strengthening laws to protect our healthcare workers. But we know there’s still more work to do on the federal level, and this bill is a big part of that,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “I believe the federal government can help deter violence and keep our healthcare workers safe by establishing stronger penalties for those who assault hospital employees. Our legislation will protect these workers and, importantly, the people who rely on their care.”

“Workplace Violence continues to be pervasive across Maine hospitals, with hospitals reporting over 300 incidents each month — of which half are physical assaults,” said Sally Weiss, Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association.  “A multipronged approach is needed to address this epidemic; however, federal legislation like the Save Healthcare Workers Act would act as a deterrent and send a strong message — just as it does for the aviation industry — that the safety and wellbeing of health care workers matters.  We thank Senator King for his advocacy and support on this issue and sponsoring this legislation to provide better protection for all health care workers across the U.S..”

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