Save Healthcare Workers Act
Congress proposes new federal penalties for assaults on hospital staff, plus $25M/year in safety grants
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Creates a new federal crime for assaulting hospital workers while they’re doing their jobs, if it interferes with their work.
- Sets penalties up to 10 years in prison, and up to 20 years if a weapon is used, someone is hurt, or it happens during a declared emergency.
- Adds a legal defense when the person accused has a disability and the conduct was a clear, direct result of that disability.
- Lets the Justice Department give hospitals grants for security and training, like de-escalation training, better access control, and panic buttons.
- Authorizes $25 million each year from 2025 through 2034 for hospital safety grants, with priority for hospitals that show need and limited funds.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
9 articles
AHA-supported bipartisan legislation introduced in House and Senate would protect health care workers from violence
Covers the May 5 introduction of H.R.3178/S.1600, describing creation of a federal crime for assaulting hospital workers and outlining the bill’s core approach.
AHA expresses support for Save Healthcare Workers Act
Reports AHA support communicated to the bill sponsors and summarizes why the legislation is sought to address violence affecting care delivery.
AHA Applauds Introduction of The Save Healthcare Workers Act
Press release reacting to the bill’s introduction and describing it as creating federal criminal penalties for assaulting hospital staff while on the job.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Save Healthcare Workers Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(44)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.