Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill into law April 29, aiming to prevent workplace violence in hospitals.
Five notes:
1. Effective July 1, Vermont hospitals are required to create security plans and establish a team to advise on plan development.
2. The development team must include healthcare workers who provide direct patient care, along with law enforcement personnel.
3. Each hospital’s security plans must be based on a security risk assessment completed in consultation with the hospital’s medical and nursing department directors.
4. Hospitals must designate an employee trained in trauma-informed care and victim support to serve as a law enforcement liaison.
5. The law follows similar legislative efforts in other states, including Ohio, to address violence against healthcare workers.
