Skip to content
Congress·In Committee·10 months ago

Congress proposes new federal penalties for assaults on hospital staff, plus $25M/year in safety grants

Also known as: Save Healthcare Workers Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Negative Impacts(1)
Criminal Record
Hurts
Mixed Impacts(7)
Chronic Illness
Neutral
Disability Benefits
Neutral
Child Tax Credit
Neutral
Physical Disability
Neutral
Sensory Disability
Neutral
Cognitive Developmental
Neutral
Mental Health
Neutral

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.
Criminal JusticeHealthcareLabor Employment

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
May 5, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

May 5, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 90 days after the bill becomes law

Justice Department issues grant guidelines for hospitals

Hospitals get the rules for what projects qualify, what paperwork is required, and how awards will be decided.

After grant guidelines are issued and funding is made available

Hospitals begin applying for safety and security grants

Hospitals can request funding for things like de-escalation training, better coordination with police, and security equipment (cameras, access control, metal detection, panic buttons).

As soon as the bill becomes law

New federal criminal penalties can be used in hospital assault cases

Some assaults on hospital personnel may be investigated and charged federally, with higher maximum prison time in specified situations (injury/weapon/emergency).

Months after grants are awarded

Hospitals install or expand security measures funded by grants

Patients and visitors may see more screening and controlled entry; staff may have faster ways to call for help and safer work areas.

Within 90 days after the end of any fiscal year that has grant funding

Annual Justice Department report to Congress on grants

The public gets a basic accounting of how many hospitals got grants, how much was awarded, and what the money was used for, which can shape future funding.

Related News

9 articles
AHA News·10 months ago

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.

C+
AHA News·10 months ago

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.

C+
American Hospital Association (AHA) Press Releases·10 months ago

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.

C+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Save Healthcare Workers Act

Bill NumberHR 3178
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(44)
D: 26R: 18

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.