As a health care leader in this state, I have witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication of our health care workers, who tirelessly care for us in our most vulnerable moments. Yet, an alarming trend threatens their ability to provide this essential service: the escalating crisis of workplace violence. This is a profound societal failing that demands urgent action.
The numbers paint a stark picture. Health care workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in all other industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the health care and social assistance industry consistently experiences the highest counts and incidence rates for nonfatal workplace violence. Nationwide, the number of injuries reported in health care and social assistance workers increased by nearly 28,000 cases from 2022 to 2023. These aren’t just statistics; they represent real people — our neighbors, friends and family members — enduring physical assaults, verbal abuse, threats and intimidation on the job. That’s not acceptable.
Right now, flight attendants, through federal regulation, have more protections than health care workers, and assaulting a nurse is a simple misdemeanor with a minimal fine. This is an injustice for the men and women who care for us in our most vulnerable moments, which is why we need our Legislature to stand with us to enact more stringent penalties against individuals that harm our staff.
Do health care workers have protections in Utah?
Four years ago, Utah took a crucial step to offer some added protection to our emergency department employees, by passing HB32, Health Care Worker Protection Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Robert Spendlove and Sen. Don Ipson. It’s now time to expand that legislation. Workplace violence is not confined to the emergency department; it can and does happen in all areas of hospitals and clinics, affecting nurses, doctors, therapists, support staff and administrators alike. Therefore, I urge our lawmakers to broaden the scope of existing protections to encompass all health care workers, regardless of their role or department. Every individual who dedicates their life to healing deserves to feel safe at work.
Furthermore, we must address the concerning reality that assault against a health care worker is currently treated as a low-level misdemeanor in our state. This sends a dangerous message that violence against those who care for us is not taken seriously. We need tougher penalties that serve as a genuine deterrent. States like Arizona and Iowa have already recognized this need, increasing penalties for individuals who assault health care providers, with some offenses escalating to felony charges. Michigan recently doubled fines for assaulting health care professionals and volunteers, with penalties increasing for assaults involving deadly weapons.
To further support our health care workers, we must ensure that reporting acts of violence leads to meaningful consequences. We need to assure that law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to pursue timely investigations and evidence collection, and that prosecutors prioritize these cases and advocate for appropriate penalties.
The physical and psychological well-being of our health care workers directly impacts the quality of care they can provide to our communities. Our health care organizations are proactively working to address this crisis. We are implementing safety protocols, providing de-escalation training and offering support to our workers when violence occurs.
However, institutional efforts alone are insufficient. By expanding protections, implementing tougher penalties, and supporting robust police and prosecutorial action, our Legislature can send a clear message: Violence against health care workers will not be tolerated. Let us empower our health care heroes to continue their vital work without fear, ensuring a healthier and safer future for all.