MMA-Supported Workplace Safety Bill Heard in Senate Committee

March 9, 2023

According to the AMA, violence in the healthcare workplace has been on the rise for the past decade and worsened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Violence against healthcare workers including physicians, nurses, emergency room staff, paramedics, and other staff directly and in-directly involved with patient care, has become commonplace in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.  

SF 2052 (Bolden, DFL – Rochester), a bill intended to reduce violence against healthcare workers, was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on March 9. The bill provides $20 million in grant funding to address healthcare worker safety through the Minnesota Department of Health.  

The bill was presented by Sen. Liz Bolden, a registered nurse. Bolden stated that “nearly 40% of those who work in healthcare roles have experienced a physical act of violence. While it’s disheartening to live in a time where violence against healthcare workers has become the norm, we can help them by providing a resource they can utilize to address safety concerns in their facilities.” The MMA signed onto a letter of support, along with 22 coalition partners. 

The bill was laid over for potential inclusion in an omnibus bill. It has yet to be heard in a House committee.