Oregon 2025 Regular Session

Oregon Senate Bill SB537

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/17/25  
Refer
4/10/25  
Refer
4/10/25  
Refer
5/19/25  
Refer
5/19/25  
Report Pass
6/19/25  
Engrossed
6/23/25  
Refer
6/23/25  
Report Pass
6/25/25  
Enrolled
6/26/25  
Passed
7/17/25  
Chaptered
7/25/25  

Caption

Relating to violence in health care settings.

Impact

If enacted, SB537 would bring significant changes to state laws concerning healthcare workplace safety. This includes establishing comprehensive guidelines for healthcare facilities to follow in order to mitigate risks of violence. Additionally, it may require increased training for staff on recognizing and managing potential violent situations, thereby fostering a culture of safety. Supporters of the bill emphasize that these measures would be critical in promoting a more secure environment for healthcare delivery, which can ultimately lead to better health outcomes for patients.

Summary

SB537 addresses the issue of violence in healthcare settings, specifically aiming to establish measures for prevention and response. This bill introduces provisions that are aimed at protecting healthcare workers and patients from potential violent acts within medical facilities. Proponents argue that the healthcare environment can often be volatile, and adequate protections are necessary to ensure the safety of both medical staff and patients alike. By enhancing safety protocols, the bill aims to create a safer workplace and improve the overall quality of care provided in healthcare settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB537 has been largely positive among healthcare advocates and professionals who view it as a necessary response to growing concerns over workplace violence. Many express gratitude that legislators are taking the issue seriously and pushing for reforms that prioritize the safety of health workers and patients. However, there are also concerns regarding the bill's feasibility and the potential costs associated with implementing its provisions, which has sparked some debate among stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB537 include the balance between necessary regulations and the practical challenges of implementation. Critics argue that while the intentions behind the bill are commendable, there may be insufficient funding or resources allocated for the bill's comprehensive provisions, potentially leading to ineffective implementation. Additionally, there may be varying opinions on what constitutes adequate safety measures, which could result in disagreements among healthcare facility administrators and staff.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OR HB4088

Relating to safety of persons working in hospitals; declaring an emergency.

OR HB4010

Relating to health care; prescribing an effective date.

OR HB3444

Relating to health care; prescribing an effective date.

OR SB965

Relating to health care providers.

OR HB3396

Relating to health care; and declaring an emergency.

OR SB967

Relating to health care; declaring an emergency.

OR SB570

Relating to home care services.

OR HB3326

Relating to changing the name of the Oregon Health Authority; declaring an emergency.

OR HB2002

Relating to health; and declaring an emergency.

OR SB1079

Relating to health care; declaring an emergency.

Similar Bills

OR HB2552

Relating to violence in health care settings; prescribing an effective date.

OR HB3428

Relating to cannabis-related employment matters within the public health care sector.

CO HB1066

Prevent Workplace Violence in Health-Care Settings

RI S0821

Workplace Psychological Safety Act

RI S0959

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

CA AB1331

Workplace surveillance.

RI S2473

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

MA S2204

Promoting equality and respect in the legislature