Oregon Takes Action to Combat Violence Against Healthcare Workers with Senate Bill 537
SALEM, Ore. — In response to a significant rise in violence affecting healthcare workers, Oregon legislators and healthcare professionals are pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 537. This proposed legislation aims to implement preventative strategies, support victims, and enhance transparency within healthcare environments.
The bill comes amid alarming statistics, revealing a staggering 181% increase in workplace violence incidents in hospitals from 2007 to 2022. According to a recent survey, 92% of members of the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) reported experiencing violence at work last year. State Representative Travis Nelson, a chief sponsor of the bill and a registered nurse, highlighted the pressing need for change: “We’ve allowed the people who care for us to become victims. It’s time to stand up for them,” he stated, sharing personal accounts of abuse he has faced in the workplace.
Workplace violence in healthcare settings includes both verbal and physical threats, often leading to severe injuries, PTSD, and heightened risks to patient care. Data shows that healthcare workers are five times more likely to face violence than those in other sectors. Furthermore, incidents disrupt patient care, with nearly all ONA members reporting that violence delays treatments, consequently threatening patient safety. The violence has resulted in a staffing crisis where one in five workers takes time off due to related injuries.
Senate Bill 537 proposes measures including annual de-escalation training, safety assessments, and improved security protocols, along with necessary victim support services. The upcoming Senate health care committee hearing on March 20 will gather further insights into the critical need for measures to protect both healthcare workers and patients. Healthcare leaders, like nurse practitioner Jennifer Bevacqua, underscore the necessity of action, citing workplace violence as an epidemic that demands immediate attention.
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