Legislative Update | Workplace Violence Bills in the 88th Session

By TNA Staff

SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2024, a facility subject to Chapter 331, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, shall adopt a workplace violence prevention policy and adopt and implement a workplace violence prevention plan in accordance with Sections 331.003 and 331.004, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.

– HB112

Workplace violence toward healthcare workers has been on the rise. A Press Ganey report in September found that more than two nurses were assaulted every hour across the US – roughly 57 per day. These assaults can range from verbal abuse to physical harm, and can come from patients, their families and even co-workers.

In the upcoming Texas legislature’s 88^th session, two identical bills have already been filed in the House (HB 112) and Senate (SB 240) by Representative Donna Howard and Senator Donna Campbell that require certain healthcare facilities to implement workplace violence prevention programs. During the last session, this bill fell victim to other legislative priorities, leaving nurses with less protection in the workplace. It is important that these bills pass in 2023 to help stem the rising tide of violence against nurses.

Our thanks to Senator Campbell and Rep. Howard for the work they're doing to help keep nurses and healthcare professionals safe. As you know, once session starts, things can evolve quickly and your voice needs to be heard at the Capitol to ensure that reinforcing Texas nurses remains an important issue.

There is no more important and opportune time than now to make sure your voices is heard by elected officials. Make plans to attend Nurse Day at the Capitol, Feb. 27 and 28 where you will learn about the Texas legislature, what issues are being discussed, and meet in person with legislators and their staff to talk about what matters to you.