Washington proposes House Bill 1162 to enhance workplace violence prevention in healthcare

In a pivotal meeting held on April 3, 2025, the Senate Ways & Means Committee convened to discuss the pressing issue of workplace violence in healthcare settings, focusing on the second substitute House Bill 1162. This legislation aims to enhance safety measures for healthcare workers, a topic that resonates deeply within the industry, especially in light of increasing incidents of violence against staff.

The bill, which emerged from the Labor and Commerce Committee, seeks to amend existing regulations under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA). Currently, healthcare facilities are required to develop workplace violence prevention plans every three years. However, House Bill 1162 proposes a more rigorous approach, mandating annual reviews and updates to these plans. This change reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly in high-stress environments like emergency departments.

During the meeting, committee members were informed that the bill would require healthcare settings—including hospitals, home health agencies, and behavioral health programs—to conduct timely investigations of workplace violence incidents. These investigations must be documented and reviewed by safety committees, ensuring that systemic causes are identified and addressed. The bill also stipulates that critical access hospitals must submit summaries of their findings biannually, while other facilities are required to do so quarterly.

The financial implications of the bill were also discussed. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) estimates that implementing these requirements could cost approximately $552,000 in the upcoming biennium, with a total projected cost of $1 million over four years. While the University of Washington anticipates meeting the bill's requirements with existing resources, there are concerns about potential unknown costs related to training and data collection.

Public testimony highlighted the urgency of the issue. Healthcare professionals, including nurses and students, shared personal experiences of violence in their workplaces. Leah Matheson, an ICU nurse, emphasized the need for protective measures, stating that healthcare workers should not have to fear for their safety while providing care. Jessica Hoffy, representing the Washington State Nurses Association, echoed this sentiment, advocating for the bill as a necessary step toward preventing workplace violence and ensuring a safer environment for all healthcare workers.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were left to ponder the implications of the proposed legislation. With the growing recognition of workplace violence in healthcare, House Bill 1162 represents a significant step toward safeguarding the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The discussions in this meeting not only reflect the challenges faced by healthcare workers but also signal a commitment to creating a safer and more supportive work environment in the industry.