The law mandates hospitals to implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans, including staff training and reporting systems for workplace incidents, according to a Jan. 8 news release from Mr. DeWine’s office.
These security plans must be developed with input from staff who provide patient care, as outlined in the most recent version of HB 452.
Hospitals in the state are also required to establish reporting systems that track incidents and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, each hospital or health system must adopt a policy prohibiting retaliation against staff who report violent incidents.
The law further provides civil immunity for healthcare workers who act in self-defense or defense of others during violent incidents under certain circumstances, the release said.
The law will also provide resources to better protect healthcare workers, according to a Jan. 8 news release from the Ohio Nurses Association, which advocated for HB 452.
“While more must be done to ensure healthcare providers can focus on delivering quality care without the constant threat of violence, this victory is a reminder of what we can accomplish when nurses and health professionals unite and use their collective voice,” ONA President and Executive Director Rick Lucas, BSN, RN, said in the release. “Unsafe staffing and other workplace challenges still jeopardize patient care and our profession. We must continue advocating for meaningful reforms that make our workplaces safer and strengthen the healthcare system for everyone.”
