Bill > S05294

This bill requires hospitals in New York to establish a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program designed to protect healthcare workers, patients, residents, and visitors. Starting January 1, 2027, general hospitals must conduct annual workplace safety and security assessments that identify potential violence threats or hazards, considering factors such as incident reports, employee and patient concerns, hospital layout, access points, and security measures. Hospitals must develop a detailed safety and security plan that addresses these identified risks, which may include employee training, increased staffing and security, engineering controls like barriers and communication systems, and other relevant protective measures. The bill also mandates that hospitals involve employees and their collective bargaining representatives in developing these plans and provide them with written summaries and information about reporting workplace violence incidents. Additionally, the bill requires hospitals in cities or counties with populations over one million to have at least one off-duty law enforcement officer or trained security personnel present at all times in the emergency department, while smaller hospitals must have such personnel on premises with priority near the emergency department. Smaller hospitals designated as critical access, sole community, or rural emergency hospitals are initially exempt but may be required to comply if they experience increased rates of violence.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5294