Oregon legislature approves workplace violence bill, sends it to governor

The Oregon Legislative Assembly recently passed groundbreaking workplace violence legislation aimed at keeping frontline healthcare workers safe in hospitals, and home health and hospice settings across Oregon. The bill, S.B. 537, is an update on laws passed in 2007 and 2019. Members of the Oregon Nurses Association worked hard to address members’ concerns about workplace violence and fix gaps in the existing law. The measure, which is awaiting Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature, will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The bill “is another critical contribution to promoting safety for all of us on the frontlines of healthcare and will go a long way to maintaining a safe workplace for the people who care for Oregonians,” says Richard Botterill, a nurse at Providence Portland Medical Center and an ONA member. “While our work to improve our healthcare system is never done, a safer workplace means safer staffing levels so patients can get the care they need and deserve.”

Violence against healthcare workers has reached alarming levels in Oregon and nationwide. Between 2007 and 2022, hospital staff experienced a 181 percent increase in workplace violence injuries nationally. In Oregon, a staggering 92 percent of ONA members reported incidents of violence last year—far above national averages. Workplace violence has a broader impact than physical injury: It disrupts patient care, causes staff shortages, impedes care delivery, and increases burnout. Frontline healthcare workers often miss work because of violence-related injuries or trauma, and many consider leaving the healthcare profession.

Here's what S.B. 537 accomplishes for healthcare workers:

The legislation focuses on pragmatic, prevention-oriented solutions that protect frontline nurses and caregivers in hospitals and in home health and hospice settings.

• A definition of workplace violence will be included in state law, preventing the employer from narrowly defining workplace violence. The law uses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s definition, which says that workplace violence includes acts of violence, threats of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, assault, homicide, or any other threatening behavior in the workplace.
• Healthcare employers must provide annual workplace violence prevention training to employees and any contracted security personnel.
• Employees have the right to have only their first name on an employee badge in hospitals, home health agencies and home hospice programs.
• Hospitals, home health agencies and hospice programs must set up paper-based and electronic health record “flagging” systems for potentially violent individuals. The flagging system must include protocols and training on the system, including when flags are added and when they are removed.
• New or remodeled emergency departments must install bullet-resistant barriers or enclosures at the intake window.
• Home healthcare entities must collect information at intake to identify and assess health and safety-related risks.
• Improved responses to workplace violence when it occurs by utilizing trauma-informed care and stronger reporting.

[Adrienne Coles]