AAMC-Supported Legislation to Prevent Violence in Health Care Setting Introduced

The AAMC-supported Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178/S. 1600) was introduced on May 5. The legislation, led by Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Angus King (I-Maine) and Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-Penn.) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), would criminalize the assault or intimidation of hospital employees and includes protections for individuals who may be mentally incapacitated due to illness or substance use. The AAMC supported similar legislation in the 118th Congress, but this bill has been updated to include any assaults that occur on hospital grounds [refer to Washington Highlights, Jan. 26, 2024]. The legislation had previously only applied when the crime was committed while an employee was performing their duties. The title of the bill has also been changed to avoid confusion with another piece of legislation focused on a different policy area.