Washington state hospital worker safety bill passes

The bill would increase the penalty for assaulting an employee, contractor, intern or volunteer of a state hospital

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Members of the Washington state Senate recently approved a measure that would increase protections for state hospital workers, according to an article on The Suburban Times website. The bill would increase the penalty for assaulting an employee, contractor, intern or volunteer of a state hospital who was performing his or her official duties to a third-degree crime.

Washington operates three state hospitals for the care of adults and children with mental illness: Western State Hospital and the Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood, and Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake. Proponents argue the bill would level the playing field for state hospital employees with every other medical provider in the state.

“State hospital workers deserve the same protections that you or I expect from our judicial system, regardless of the fact that they work in a potentially dangerous environment,” Sen. Steve O’Ban said, “perhaps even more so since they spend every day working closely with these unpredictable individuals.”

Read the article.

 

 



March 3, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe.


Sanford Health and North Memorial Health Finalize Partnership

An integration process is underway to create a unified organization.


Cornerstone Behavioral Healthcare Falls Victim to Ransomware Attack

On May 26, 2026, Cornerstone discovered that a breach of the security of certain PHI that Cornerstone maintains occurred as a result of a ransomware attack.


Containing Candida Auris Across the Care Continuum

Containment becomes achievable, sustainable and far more effective for facilities that follow the same precautions, disinfectant standards and equipment rules.


Early Entry: Manager's Critical Role in Construction Planning

Facilities managers should seek a seat at the table early to shape decisions that affect operations and continuity of care from the onset.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.