Bill > SB709

This bill establishes the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act, which requires health facilities to create violence prevention committees composed of both management and employee representatives to address workplace violence risks. The committees must conduct annual risk assessments, develop comprehensive written violence prevention plans, and track incidents of workplace violence. Each committee will be responsible for identifying potential risk factors such as working in high-crime areas, late-night shifts, or areas with potentially violent patients, and will develop strategies to mitigate these risks. The bill mandates that employees can report workplace violence incidents without fear of retaliation, requires health facilities to maintain records of such incidents for at least three years, and provides for post-incident services like medical and mental health treatment for affected employees. The Department of Labor and Industry is empowered to investigate violations, impose administrative fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation, and order corrective actions. Additionally, the bill requires health facilities to post signs at public entrances warning that assault of an employee is a felony and allows for legal remedies including reinstatement, wage reimbursement, and compensation for employees who experience workplace violence. The act will take effect 180 days after its passage and does not supersede existing collective bargaining agreements that provide greater protections.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=709