Senate study to look at workplace violence against healthcare professionals

A Senate interim study on workplace violence and medical professionals will meet on Monday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m. in room 419C of the state Capitol. The study was requested by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.

According to the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence is a recognized hazard in the healthcare industry. A 2018 study by the Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that administers voluntary accreditation programs for hospitals and healthcare organizations, found workers in healthcare settings are four times more likely to be victimized than workers in private industry.

“Bureau of Labor data shows violence-related injuries are four times more likely to cause healthcare workers to take time off than other kinds of injuries. This is a serious issue for healthcare workers, and I requested this study after being approached by medical professionals,” Weaver said. “This study will examine how the problem is impacting healthcare professionals in both urban and rural settings, explore some of the factors that may contribute to violence against medical professionals and look at whether anything can be done at the state level to better address it.”

Presenters will include healthcare professionals from both rural and metropolitan areas, and will feature doctors, nurses, administrators, emergency medical responders and law enforcement.