New law gives healthcare workers more protections
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – A new law is giving healthcare workers protection from violent patients.
The Harm to a Health Care Worker Bill was signed by Governor Evers on Wednesday.
It increases the potential maximum penalty for intentional harm to a health care worker.
Health experts say violent patients are common, especially in emergency rooms.
This includes individuals who verbally or physically harm a healthcare provider.
One health expert says this bill ensures those behaviors won’t be tolerated.
“We’re able to directly assure our staff that we’re going to listen and we’re going to support our staff in caring for those violent patients,” said Lisa Bungum, Nurse Administrator at Mayo Clinic Health System.
Mayo Clinic Health System has implement initiatives to protect its healthcare workers.
This includes education, engagement, and empowerment among providers.
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