State Workplace Violence Prevention Laws: Overview and Legislative Language Guidance

Many AFT Nurses and Health Professionals affiliates are considering passing or strengthening comprehensive workplace violence prevention laws. These are laws requiring healthcare employers to develop prevention programs in collaboration with frontline workers through a process recommended by OSHA. The laws mandate risk assessment, data evaluation, and program evaluation to reduce the frequency and severity of assaults in the workplace. Many states have also passed legislation that increases penalties for assaults against healthcare workers and or require employers to report assaults to the police. 

This document outlines important provisions for comprehensive program laws—whether for a new bill or amendment to an existing law. Comprehensive laws exist in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. California has a workplace violence prevention standard enforced by Cal/OSHA. A Google folder containing statutory language, summaries, OSHA’s guidance, and requirements from CMS and the Joint Commission is here: Code Red State WPV Legislation Resources - Google Drive. Examples of contract language, site assessment checklists, and other resources will be added as well.