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

Elevating EVS Professionals: The Case for Certified Hygiene Specialists

Workers cleaning patient rooms are not simply improving appearance. They are reducing bioburden and protecting human health.


Global Handwashing Day and the Importance of Well-Maintained Restrooms

A recent handwashing survey found that Americans value clean restrooms and touchless fixtures.


Duke Health and CaroMont Health Partner to Develop Two New Hospitals

CaroMont Health and Duke Health anticipate a decision by the end of March 2027.


Designing for the Psychology of Waiting

A well-designed waiting room does more than fill time — it eases the patient experience and creates a more functional healthcare environment.


UT Health Sciences Breaks Ground on College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building

Construction is expected to be substantially completed in 2029, with full occupancy by 2030.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.