Genesee News

Michigan state Rep. Mike Mueller has spearheaded a new law aimed at cracking down on violence against nurses, doctors, and other medical personnel. The law, which was signed into effect today, seeks to provide stronger protections for health care workers by imposing stricter penalties on individuals who assault them.

The need for this law stems from the significant increase in violent encounters between health care workers and visitors in Michigan hospitals. Rep. Mueller, in highlighting the importance of the legislation, stated, "Michigan's dedicated health care professionals continue to go above and beyond to safeguard the health of our residents, despite growing challenges and intimidation." He further emphasized that the new law is a crucial step towards creating a secure working environment for hospital personnel and discouraging acts of violence.

The statistics regarding violence against health care workers are alarming. According to a 2018 survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), approximately 70 percent of emergency nurses and 47 percent of emergency physicians have reported being physically assaulted on the job. These numbers highlight the urgent need for measures to protect these essential workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's data from 2019 reveal that U.S. hospitals recorded 221,400 work-related injuries and illnesses, resulting in a rate of 5.5 work-related incidents for every 100 full-time employees. This rate is nearly double that of private industries, underscoring the unique risks faced by health care professionals.

House Bill 4520-21, which Rep. Mueller championed, adds health care professionals and medical volunteers to the existing group of protected workers that includes police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. The legislation elevates the consequences for assaulting these protected professionals to the level of a felony, imposing increased fines. However, the potential for jail time will remain unchanged.

To ensure awareness of the heightened penalties, medical facilities will be required to display signs in visible areas that warn the public about the increased fines. This measure aims to deter potential assailants and create a safer environment for health care workers.

Rep. Mueller expressed his satisfaction with the passage of the law, stating, "I am proud to see this bipartisan plan come to fruition after working on it for more than a year. It's gratifying to witness our efforts translate into meaningful progress for the health care workers who tirelessly serve our communities."

The new law in Michigan is a significant step towards protecting health care workers from violence and ensuring their safety as they carry out their vital duties. By imposing stricter penalties and raising public awareness of the consequences, Michigan is sending a clear message that violence against health care workers will not be tolerated.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-mueller-protects-health-care-workers-from-violence-with-new-law