Workplace violence against healthcare workers remains a persistent problem nationwide. Several states have passed or introduced new or expanded legislation in 2026 aimed at protecting hospital workers, from prevention planning requirements to weapons prohibitions.
Becker’s has reported on at least six hospital shootings in the first six months of the year, most recently at an Indiana hospital in May. A recent report found that the rate of hospital-based shootings across the country increased about 8.4% annually from 2012 to 2024.
Here are four states that have introduced or passed new or expanded measures in 2026, or have laws set to take effect this year.
1. Missouri
A bill introduced Feb. 24 in the state Legislature and cleared by two House committees would require certain healthcare facilities to establish workplace violence prevention committees or authorize existing committees to develop prevention plans. Hospitals would also be required to display a printed sign in emergency department waiting rooms and the labor and delivery department, which says assaulting a healthcare professional is a serious crime. The Rules Committee voted unanimously April 23 to advance the bill and recommend its passage, but it has not been scheduled for a full House floor vote yet.
2. New York
On Dec. 12, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill requiring hospitals in New York to establish a workplace violence prevention program, including the establishment of security personnel in emergency departments. General hospitals in a city or county with at least 1 million people are required to have at least one off-duty law enforcement officer or trained security personnel present in the emergency department at all times. The law takes effect Sept. 18.
3. Utah
A Utah law took effect May 6 that requires hospitals to implement comprehensive workplace violence reporting systems by Nov. 1. The law mandates that hospitals record all reported incidents of workplace violence, protect workers from retaliation, track incident details and report data annually to the state health department.
4. Virginia
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on June 4 signed bills prohibiting firearms and other dangerous weapons inside medical facilities that provide mental health and developmental services. The law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to possess a firearm or other weapons inside a facility providing certain services, including in emergency departments.
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