Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1088

Introduced
6/5/23  

Caption

Providing for violence prevention committees in health care facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1088 would significantly affect state laws related to workplace safety in healthcare environments. It would empower the Department of Labor and Industry to impose fines and administrative penalties on facilities that fail to comply with the new safety protocols established under this bill. The law is poised to create a more structured approach to managing workplace violence in healthcare, potentially leading to improved outcomes for both employees and patients. This shift in legislative focus reflects growing concerns regarding the prevalence of violence in healthcare scenarios, hence fostering a safer workplace culture.

Summary

House Bill 1088 is focused on the establishment of violence prevention committees within healthcare facilities. The bill outlines the responsibilities of these committees, which are designed to monitor and mitigate incidents of workplace violence. By implementing these measures, the bill aims to enhance the safety and well-being of employees and patients alike. The legislation emphasizes the importance of proactive violence prevention strategies and mandates specific reporting requirements on workplace violence incidents, thereby increasing accountability and transparency within healthcare settings.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 1088 appears to be supportive, particularly among healthcare advocates and employee safety organizations. Proponents argue that the establishment of formal committees will lead to better awareness and prevention of violence, thereby protecting vulnerable groups within healthcare. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implementation of such measures and their potential financial implications for healthcare facilities. The balance between creating a safer work environment and not overburdening facilities with regulatory requirements will be a central theme in ongoing discussions about this bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the adequacy of the proposed fines and penalties for non-compliance, as some stakeholders argue they may not be stringent enough to compel adherence. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the committees in genuinely reducing incidents of violence remains a critical question. While the intention to improve workplace safety is clear, stakeholders in the healthcare sector may raise concerns about additional regulatory burdens, especially in an industry already grappling with various challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB849

Providing for violence prevention committees in health care facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.

PA SB1291

Providing for violence prevention committees in health facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.

PA HB2247

Providing for violence prevention committees in health facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.

PA SB709

Providing for violence prevention committees in health facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.

PA HB926

Providing for violence prevention committees in health facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.

PA HB2593

Providing for the reporting of workplace violence in health facilities.

PA HB2235

Providing for regulation of the meat packing and food processing industry by creating facility health and safety committees in the workplace; establishing the industry workers' rights coordinator within the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

PA HB399

Provides relative to the prevention of workplace violence in healthcare facilities

PA SB406

Providing for regulation of the meat packing and food processing industry by creating facility health and safety committees in the workplace; establishing the industry workers' rights coordinator within the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

PA HB308

Providing for workplace health and safety standards for public employees; providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of Labor and Industry; establishing the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Review Board; providing for workplace inspections; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

IL SB0223

CD CORR-DOC SAFETY COMMITTEE

TX HB1146

Relating to workplace violence prevention in certain health care facilities.

LA HB399

Provides relative to the prevention of workplace violence in healthcare facilities

IL HB2581

CD CORR-WORKPLACE SAFETY

PA HB926

Providing for violence prevention committees in health facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.

CO HB1066

Prevent Workplace Violence in Health-Care Settings

PA SB709

Providing for violence prevention committees in health facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.

PA HB2247

Providing for violence prevention committees in health facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.