The Florida Hospital Association Praises
Legislation that Will Enhance Safety for Hospital Workers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 2, 2023
CONTACT: JULIET HAUSER
(941) 830-2922
Tallahassee, FL – With the passage of House Bill 825, the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) thanked bill sponsors Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez and Representative Kimberly Berfield for advancing policy that will prevent danger and harm to individuals working in hospitals.
“Team members at Florida hospitals work tirelessly to ensure Floridians have access to high-quality care,” said Mary Mayhew, President and CEO of FHA. “We must provide them with a safe work environment so they can continue to do what they do best. By increasing penalties on individuals who intentionally harm a team member or volunteer at a hospital, we’re sending a clear message that violence at hospitals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
HB 825 passed the Senate floor today with overwhelming, bipartisan support. The legislation earned approval in the House Chamber on April 20 and is now ready for the Governor’s consideration.
HB 825, Assault or Battery on Hospital Personnel provides enhanced criminal penalties for persons who knowingly commit assault or battery upon hospital personnel. These penalties already apply to violence against law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical care providers, among others. The legislation defines hospital personnel as employees, agents or volunteers in a hospital.
Nationally, health care workers accounted for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence in 2018. A 2017 report commissioned by the American Hospital Association estimated that violence against hospital employees resulted in $429 million in medical care, staffing, indemnity, and other costs.
ABOUT THE FHA
Founded in 1927, the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) is the leading voice for health care in the State of Florida. Through representation and advocacy, education, and informational services, the Florida Hospital Association supports the mission of over 200 hospitals and health care systems to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. Led by President and CEO Mary Mayhew, the Florida Hospital Association is located in Tallahassee and is governed by a Board of Trustees and officers elected by the member institutions.
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