Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1291

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/12/24
• Refer: 7/12/24

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of SB 1291 is expected to have a significant impact on workplace safety laws in Pennsylvania. By mandating the establishment of violence prevention committees, the bill promotes collaborative safety practices that include the perspectives and experiences of front-line health employees. Additionally, the legislation outlines specific duties for these committees, including conducting risk evaluations based on historical data and developing tailored violence prevention plans that address unique local challenges. Should health facilities fail to comply with the requirements, the bill provides for administrative fines and other penalties, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety protocols.

Summary

Senate Bill 1291, known as the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act, aims to enhance safety in health facilities by establishing mandatory violence prevention committees. These committees are tasked with creating and overseeing workplace violence prevention programs and must include both management representatives and non-managerial employees involved in patient or public care. The bill necessitates that health facilities conduct risk assessments annually, implement preventive measures, and ensure that all incidents of workplace violence are reported and reviewed promptly. Each facility is required to maintain records for at least three years regarding any reported incidents, fostering transparency and accountability.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 1291 appears to be positive among healthcare workers and organizations advocating for safer working environments. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a crucial step toward mitigating the concerning trends of workplace violence in healthcare settings, particularly in high-risk environments. However, there may be some dissent from management or business groups who may view the additional regulations as burdensome. The discourse surrounding the bill reflects a recognition of the need for better safety measures in healthcare, coupled with discussions about managing operational impacts.

Contention

While SB 1291 is largely supported for its focus on employee safety, critics may voice concerns about the practicality and cost of implementing the required committees and programs across diverse health facilities. Issues may arise regarding the selection and roles of committee members, particularly in smaller facilities that might find it challenging to meet the bill's requirements for representation. Moreover, debates could focus on balancing regulatory requirements with operational flexibility, highlighting the tension between enhancing safety protocols and maintaining effective healthcare service delivery.