Washington state hospital worker safety bill passes

The bill would increase the penalty for assaulting an employee, contractor, intern or volunteer of a state hospital

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Members of the Washington state Senate recently approved a measure that would increase protections for state hospital workers, according to an article on The Suburban Times website. The bill would increase the penalty for assaulting an employee, contractor, intern or volunteer of a state hospital who was performing his or her official duties to a third-degree crime.

Washington operates three state hospitals for the care of adults and children with mental illness: Western State Hospital and the Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood, and Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake. Proponents argue the bill would level the playing field for state hospital employees with every other medical provider in the state.

“State hospital workers deserve the same protections that you or I expect from our judicial system, regardless of the fact that they work in a potentially dangerous environment,” Sen. Steve O’Ban said, “perhaps even more so since they spend every day working closely with these unpredictable individuals.”

Read the article.

 

 



March 3, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Two Steps to Controlling the Hot Zone

Strategy for disrupting dry-surface biofilm begins with a simple premise: You cannot disinfect what you cannot reach.


RiverSpring Living Breaks Ground on River's Edge Senior Living Community

Occupancy is expected in December 2028.


Encompass Health Reveals Plans to Build Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in Post Falls, Idaho

The hospital is expected to open in 2028 and will be part of Encompass Health's national network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.


Creating Compassionate Spaces in Healthcare

A new bereavement room at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan NICU aims to provide peace and privacy for families.


Study Shows Connection Between Odor and Patient Experience

A 2024 study identifies the top smells in hospital waiting rooms and how they impact the patient and visitor experience.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.