A Growing Crisis and the Call for Action

Workplace violence in healthcare settings has long been a hidden epidemic, but its rise in frequency and severity has made it impossible to ignore. With the recent surge in violent incidents, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers are facing unprecedented risks. These violent acts not only endanger the lives of healthcare professionals but also disrupt the healthcare system, pose significant public health challenges, and create barriers to quality care. From physical assaults to emotional abuse, the healthcare sector has become one of the most dangerous industries for workers. This article explores the alarming statistics surrounding workplace violence in healthcare, the actions (or lack thereof) taken by lawmakers, and the urgent need for change. By examining recent violent incidents, current legislative efforts, and potential solutions, it aims to highlight the critical steps needed to protect healthcare workers and foster safer working environments.

Recent Incidents of Workplace Violence in Healthcare 

National Nurses United Press Release (2018). Image retrieved from: Nurses Applaud Introduction of Federal Legislation to Prevent Workplace Violence in Health Care, Social Service Settings | National Nurses United 

On February 18, 2025, tragic incident unfolded at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in West Palm Beach. Leelamma Lal, a nurse with over 21 years of experience, was brutally attacked by a mental health patient, Stephen Scantlebury. Scantlebury, who was under evaluation for mental health issues, assaulted Lal without provocation, repeatedly striking her in the face and head. The attack was a stark reminder of the dangers healthcare workers face daily, especially when dealing with patients in volatile emotional or psychological states.

Just days later, on February 22, 2025, another horrifying event occurred in York, Pennsylvania. Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz entered UPMC with a gun and zip ties, holding hospital staff hostage for nearly 40 minutes. The standoff ended in a deadly exchange of gunfire between Ortiz and law enforcement, leaving three hospital staff members and a police officer dead. The investigation is ongoing, but the motives behind this act of violence remain unclear.

Law enforcement officers stand outside Northside Hospital Midtown Medical office building on May 3, 2023. Photo obtained from apnews.com, credit to Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP.

Prior to these incidents, violence had already rocked several medical facilities. On August 7, 2023, at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, a visitor opened fire, killing a security guard and sending hospital staff and patients scrambling for cover. Similarly, in October 2022, a visitor at Methodist Dallas Medical Center's birthing center shot and killed two hospital staff members. These incidents, along with others in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Sherwood, Arkansas, have painted a chilling picture of the escalating violence faced by healthcare workers.

While high-profile incidents like these make headlines, it is important to recognize that violence in healthcare is not limited to physical assaults. Verbal abuse, harassment, bullying, and psychological violence are rampant in many healthcare settings, contributing to a hostile and unsafe work environment. Sadly, many of these cases remain unreported.

The Scope of Workplace Violence in Healthcare 

A clear definition helps ensure consistent understanding of what constitutes workplace violence. Healthcare environments can involve various interactions, and without a standard definition, what one person may see as an incident of violence could be overlooked or misunderstood by others. A well-defined standard ensures everyone—from healthcare workers to administrators—understands what behaviors are unacceptable and should be addressed.

Workplace violence in healthcare is defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior that occurs in the workplace. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines violence as the deliberate use of physical force or power, whether threatened or actual, that can result in injury, death, or psychological harm. In healthcare, violence can take many forms, ranging from physical assaults to psychological abuse, which often go unnoticed but are just as harmful.

The statistics surrounding workplace violence in healthcare are staggering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare and social assistance workers experience the highest rates of workplace violence across any private industry sector. Between 2011 and 2018, 156 workplace homicides occurred in healthcare settings, with an average of 20 deaths per year. Additionally, healthcare workers account for approximately 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses caused by violence. These numbers underscore the critical need for better safety measures and support systems to protect healthcare professionals.

It is estimated that 40% to 73% of healthcare workers have experienced some form of workplace violence in the past two years, although this wide range likely underrepresents the true scope of the problem, as many incidents go unreported. A culture of fear or lack of support for reporting violence contributes to this underreporting, with some healthcare environments failing to create a safe and supportive atmosphere for employees.

Highest rates for cases with days away from work, restricted work activity, or job transfer (DART). Image retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor website: workplace-violence-2021-2022.htm : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Legislative Efforts and the Roadblocks to Change 

The rising tide of violence against healthcare workers has prompted some lawmakers to take action, but progress has been slow. In June 2022, Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), introduced the SAVE Act (H.R. 7961), which sought to establish federal criminal penalties for individuals who assault or intimidate healthcare workers while they are performing their duties. This bill proposed penalties similar to those already in place for airline and airport employees, including enhanced penalties for acts involving dangerous weapons or resulting in bodily harm. Furthermore, the SAVE Act called for grants to assist hospitals in implementing violence prevention programs.

In April 2023, a similar bill, H.R. 2584, was introduced by the same lawmakers. This bill also aimed to impose federal criminal penalties for assaults or intimidation against healthcare workers, with provisions for enhanced penalties. While both pieces of legislation offer important steps toward safeguarding healthcare workers, they have yet to be passed into law, leaving many in the industry frustrated by the lack of urgency from lawmakers.

Despite these legislative efforts, many hospitals and healthcare institutions have not implemented sufficient prevention measures or policies to protect their employees. While some medical centers have adopted protocols and safety training programs, the overall response has been inconsistent across the nation. The failure to prioritize violence prevention in healthcare settings leaves workers vulnerable to harm, while hospital administrators often remain slow to act.

Leaders Called to Lead 

First and foremost, it is crucial for institutions to foster a culture where violence is reported, and all incidents—no matter how minor—are properly documented and addressed. Hospital leadership and human resources departments play a vital role in creating a workplace culture that prioritizes safety and support for healthcare employees. Failing to do so can result in lawsuits, a tarnished reputation, and, most importantly, the injury or death of employees. On the other hand, creating an environment where employees feel safe reporting incidents leads to better data collection, which can ultimately drive policy changes and targeted interventions.

Any institution accredited by the Joint Commission (TJC) should already be aware that, effective January 1, 2022, TJC implemented new and revised workplace violence prevention standards for all accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals. These standards provide a framework to guide hospitals in developing effective systems for preventing workplace violence. The standardized approach begins with a comprehensive definition of workplace violence.

Empowerment for Healthcare Workers 

As violence against healthcare workers continues to escalate, it is essential that those on the front lines take an active role in advocating for their own safety. Healthcare workers can make their voices heard by pushing for stronger prevention programs and by demanding that their institutions provide adequate resources to address workplace violence. Engaging with lawmakers and local representatives is one way healthcare professionals can help bring attention to the issue and push for meaningful changes in legislation.

The American Organization of Leadership Nursing (AOLN) and the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) have developed a "Toolkit for Mitigating Violence” to help healthcare workers address violence in their workplaces. Toolkits such as this can provide practical steps for workers to take when dealing with violent situations and how to advocate for safer environments.

The National Nurses United (NNU), a union and professional association, has played a key role in raising awareness about workplace violence in healthcare settings. Their website offers a variety of resources and articles on the topic, including an online petition that calls for a legislative mandate requiring workplace violence prevention plans to protect frontline healthcare workers.

Conclusion 

Workplace violence in healthcare is a pervasive and dangerous issue that demands urgent attention. The recent surge in violent incidents underscores the need for stronger safety measures, enhanced legislative protections, and a cultural shift within healthcare environments. While some lawmakers have introduced bills to address the issue, much more must be done to ensure the protection of healthcare workers. Healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals must actively advocate for their safety, not only by voicing their concerns within their institutions but also by reaching out to local senators and congressmen to push for meaningful legislative change. By engaging with policymakers, healthcare workers can help drive the development of stronger laws that provide better protection against violence. The time to act is now, before more lives are lost and more healthcare workers are forced to endure the risks of an already challenging field. Our healthcare workers deserve a safe and supportive environment, and together, we can make that a reality.

References and Resources:

• Find Your Members in the U.S. Congress | Congress.gov | Library of Congress Find your local Senator or Congress Representative.
  

• SIGN ON: Prevent Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers | National Nurses United. National Nurses United
  

• Home | National Nurses United. National Nurses United.

• Workplace violence in healthcare settings: The risk factors, implications and collaborative preventive measures - PMC Lim, M.C., Jeffree, M.S., Saupin, S.S., Giloi, N., and Lukman, K.A. (2002)
  

• Text - H.R.7961 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): SAVE Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
  

• H.R.2584 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): SAVE Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
  

• Workplace Violence in Healthcare, 2018 : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor (2018)
  

• Workplace-violence-2021-2022.htm : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor (2022)
  

• Violence and harassment. World Health Organization. (2021).
  

• Healthcare - Workplace Violence | Occupational Safety and Health Administration Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2022).
  

• Mitigating Violence Toolkit. American Organization of Leadership Nursing. (2023).  
  

• ENA | Workplace Violence Prevention. Emergency Nurses Association. (2023)
  

• Workplace Violence Prevention – New and Revised Requirements | The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission. (2021).
  

• Workplace Violence Prevention: New and Revised Requirements on Vimeo  The Joint Commission. (2022).   [video file]