Carter Introduces Resolution Condemning Assaults on Healthcare Personnel, Calls for Inquiries and Resources

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. announced the introduction of a House Resolution condemning assaults on healthcare personnel, as well as calling for inquiries into the attacks and resources to support healthcare workers and counteract violence in the workplace.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to save lives and protect our communities. But as cases and hospitalizations rise, many healthcare systems and staff have become overwhelmed and understaffed. This has coincided with a concerning rise of workplace violence against healthcare workers, including tragically in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. In November 2020, National Nurses United surveyed 15,000 registered nurses across the U.S. and found that 20% reported increased workplace violence.

“Our healthcare workers are heroes in the fight against COVID-19,” said Congressman Carter. “And yet, far too many have experienced dangerous workplace violence and assaults while they try and save lives. We must condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms. This House Resolution will help bring awareness to this epidemic of violence against the pandemic’s frontline workers, call for federal inquiries and push for more resources to prevent and respond to workplace violence.”

This resolution has now been referred to House committees. If passed, it would specifically call on the U.S. Department of Justice to inquire into assaults on healthcare personnel and provide adequate resources and support to ensure that justice is given to those that have faced or could face assault. It also calls for the U.S. Department of Labor to increase workplace violence resources, specifically for healthcare personnel.

The full text of the resolution is below, and will soon be available on Congress.gov.

RESOLUTION TEXT:

Expressing support for health care personnel and condemning assaults on health care personnel as the U.S. health care system faces unprecedented staffing shortages and increased workplace related stressors.

Whereas as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare personnel refers to all paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, including body substances (e.g., blood, tissue, and specific body fluids); contaminated medical supplies, devices, and equipment; contaminated environmental surfaces; or contaminated air.

Whereas these health care personnel may include, but are not limited to, emergency medical service personnel, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, contractual staff not employed by the health care facility.

Whereas the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines workplace violence as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.

Whereas workplace violence ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide.

Whereas acts of violence and other injuries is currently the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States.

Whereas according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), of the 5,333 fatal workplace injuries that occurred in the United States in 2019, 761 were cases of intentional injury by another person. 

Whereas in November 2020, National Nurses United surveyed 15,000 registered nurses across the U.S. and found that 20% reported increased workplace violence.

Whereas according to the American Nurses Association, one in four nurses are assaulted while on the job.

Whereas the Joint Commission found workers in health care settings are 4 times more likely to be assaulted than workers in private industry.

Whereas according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 75 percent of nearly 25,000 workplace assaults are reported annually in health care and social service settings.

Whereas the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that healthcare workers and those who work in social assistance are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than other workers.

Whereas the Joint Commission found that approximately 30 percent of nurses report incidents of violence and only 26 percent of emergency department physicians report violent incidents.

Whereas the National Crime Victimization Survey showed health care workers have a 20 percent higher chance of being the victim of workplace violence than other workers.

Whereas the American College of Emergency Physicians reported that 70 percent of emergency physicians have reported acts of violence against them, yet approximately -3 percent pressed charges. Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives –

1. Condemns workplace violence, harassment, or assault against health care personnel;

2. Reaffirms that acts of violence, harassment, or assault against health care personnel will not be tolerated;

3. Calls on the U.S. Department of Justice to inquire into assaults on health care personnel and provide adequate resources and support to ensure that justice is given to those that have faced or will face assault;

4. Call on the U.S. Department of Labor to increase workplace violence resources, specifically for healthcare personnel;

5. Continues to support hospitals and health care workers and the work they do to ensure our health and wellbeing.

6. Acknowledges the increased work stress and strain on mental health that health care personnel face; and

7. Support providing health care personnel with mental health information and resources.

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