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DHA Supports Introduction of Hospital Workplace Violence Prevention Bill


05/07/2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2019
 
Contact:
Christina Crooks Bryan
(302) 674-2853
christina@deha.org
 
 
DHA Supports Introduction of Hospital Workplace Violence Prevention Bill
Bill Aims to Protect All Health Care Workers from Assault
 
(DOVER, DE – May 7, 2019) Representative Bill Bush and Senator Trey Charles Paradee introduced legislation today, House Bill 144, aimed at curbing violent assaults on workers at Delaware hospitals and other health care facilities. HB 144 expands the felony offense of Assault in the Second Degree to anyone that intentionally causes physical injury on any person providing health care treatment or employed by a health care provider.
 
“Health care workers have dedicated their lives to caring for others, yet they are four times more likely to face serious workplace violence than in any other career,” said Wayne Smith, DHA President and CEO. “Violence against health care workers is increasing at an alarming rate, which is why HB 144 is needed now more than ever. We thank Rep. Bush and Sen. Paradee for their leadership in deterring violence against health care workers, which is a top concern for Delaware hospitals.” 
 
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the rate of serious workplace violence incidents was more than four times greater in health care than in private industry and there are nearly as many serious violent injuries in health care as all the other industries combined. 
 
Under Delaware Code, Assault in Second Degree currently applies to various professions, including physicians and nurses, but does not include numerous employees of a health system that come into contact with patients and families on a regular basis. These may include Activity Attendants, Medical Assistants and office staff, Nursing Assistants, Physical Therapists, Public Safety and Security Officers, Respiratory Therapists, EKG Technicians, Radiology Technologists, etc. HB 144would ensure that all health care employees have the same protection under the law.
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About the Delaware Healthcare Association 
The Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) was formed in 1967 to assist Delaware hospitals in working on issues concerning health care and the hospital industry.DHA is a statewide trade and membership services organization that serves as a leader in the promotion of effective change in health services through collaboration and consensus building on health care issues at the State and Federal levels.DHA’s vision is to be the leading and respected voice for hospitals and health care delivery systems in Delaware working together to deliver compassionate, accessible, high quality, financially sustainable health care to the patients and communities they serve.DHA’s mission is to provide policy and advocacy leadership in creating an excellent environment for enabling every Delawarean to be as healthy as theycan be.
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