A Call to Action: AAHFN Advocacy Supports Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

Overall, the likelihood of health care workers being exposed to violence is higher than prison guards or police officers – with 1 in 4 nurses having been assaulted at work. And care settings have only become riskier and more intense since the COVID-19 pandemic.

We cannot address workforce shortages without addressing working conditions as they go hand in hand. The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, H.R. 2663/S. 1176, works to address this critical issue.

If passed, the bill would ensure that health care providers will be ready and able to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their patients should the need arise. It would also require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop and enforce specific standards for health care and social service employers to hold them accountable for protecting their employees.

For years, ANA has been leading the charge to address workplace violence by raising
awareness about this issue and pushing for regulatory and legislative solutions. Now, AAHFN is joining with other leading nursing organizations; we need you to make your voice heard and email your elected officials about this important issue.

We know that personalized letters have an even greater impact – if workplace violence has affected you or your colleagues, or you know a nurse who has been impacted please consider sharing your story in the note to Congress.

Urge your Elected Officials to Co-Sponsor this Bill! (p2a.co)