We’re Not Letting Up on Workplace Violence

The conversation continues—but so must the action.

On September 17, ACEP joined health care leaders, providers, patient advocates, and policymakers to discuss the growing crisis of workplace violence in health care, including the impact on emergency physicians and ED staff.

Our message remains clear: violence is not part of the job.

Health care workers account for approximately 50% of all victims of workplace assaults, and the reported numbers likely understate the true scope of the problem.

We Need Congress to Act

ACEP is continuing to push for bipartisan support of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178/S. 1600).

The legislation would:

• Establish federal criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally assaulting or intimidating health care workers.
• Provide protections for emergency physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals.
• Include important guardrails for patients experiencing acute psychiatric episodes or the effects of substance use disorders.

The bill is sponsored by Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA) in the House and Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Angus King (I-ME) in the Senate.

Keep Up the Pressure

ACEP has been advocating for action on workplace violence throughout the year. We are not taking our foot off the gas.

Congress needs to hear from emergency physicians and other ED professionals about why this legislation matters. The more bipartisan cosponsors the bill has, the more likely Congress is to make it a priority.

Your Story Can Make a Difference

When you contact your legislators, make it personal.

Share a brief story about:

• An assault or injury you or a colleague experienced
• What happened afterward
• The impact on your ED team
• How violence affected patients or access to emergency care

Your experience helps lawmakers understand that workplace violence isn't an abstract problem—it is happening in emergency departments across the country.

TAKE ACTION → Ask Your Members of Congress to Cosponsor H.R. 3178/S. 1600