Workplace violence in healthcare settings, particularly in hospital emergency departments, has reached alarming levels. Healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries, accounting for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence.

In 2023, 90% of emergency room (ER) doctors reported experiencing violence, which includes threats, verbal abuse, and physical assaults from patients or their families. This alarming trend has led to serious mental health consequences for many doctors, with some experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result of the safety concerns, many ER professionals are choosing to leave the profession altogether due to safety concerns. With such staggering statistics, it’s clear action needs to be taken to protect healthcare workers.

What is California’s Assembly Bill 977?

In response to this escalating crisis, California enacted Assembly Bill 977 (AB 977), which took effect on January 1, 2025. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, a former emergency medical technician, increases penalties for individuals who assault emergency department workers.

Under this law, the maximum jail time for such assaults has been extended from six months to one year. Lawmakers hope these stricter penalties will deter violent behavior and provide additional protection for healthcare professionals.

Criticism of Assembly Bill 977

While the bill aims to deter violence, it has faced criticism from healthcare professionals. Some argue that the increased penalties may not sufficiently address the severity of violence that workers face. Critics also worry that the bill may have unintended consequences, such as harming patients in crisis—including those experiencing:

• Mental health emergencies
• Severe injuries with altered mental status
• Substance withdrawal episodes

Instead of focusing on prevention, some argue that AB 977 may lead to the criminalization of patients who actually need medical or mental health intervention rather than punitive measures. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it is clear action needs to be taken by healthcare systems and legislatures to protect our healthcare providers.

Beyond Legislation: A Holistic Approach to Hospital Security

Addressing workplace violence in healthcare requires more than legislative action. Hospitals and healthcare providers must take a proactive, multi-layered approach that includes:

• De-escalation Training – Teach staff how to recognize and diffuse volatile situations before they escalate.
• Self-Defense Training – Empower workers with skills to protect themselves if attacked.
• Early Identification & Intervention – Implement systems to detect warning signs of potential violence and intervene before a situation can arise.
• Panic Buttons & Mobile Safety Apps – Tools that immediately notify internal security or external emergency responders.
• Scalable Mass Notification Systems – Enable rapid communication to the appropriate channels during critical incidents.

How 911Cellular Can Help Protect Healthcare Workers

At 911Cellular, we understand the challenges hospitals face and are committed to helping organizations identify risks and implement the best healthcare security solutions.

Our full-service security solutions include:

• Keyboard Panic Buttons
• Wall-Mounted Panic Buttons
• Wearable Panic Buttons
• Mobile Safety Apps
• Emergency Notification Systems

These safety tools reduce response times and improve response efficiency, enhancing outcomes when preventative measures fall short. While these tools are critical during a potentially violent attack, their applications span a wide range of emergency and communication needs.

Key Takeaways

California’s AB 977 is another major tool to help safeguard our invaluable healthcare workers, but it is only part of the solution. Hospitals must embrace a comprehensive and proactive strategy to effectively prevent and address violence in the workplace.

If your organization is serious about enhancing safety, 911Cellular is ready to partner with you. Schedule a demo today to discover how our innovative solutions can protect your healthcare workforce and ensure a secure setting for everyone involved.

Tags: “healthcare safety” “hospital safety” “ hospital violence” “ workplace violence” “ legislation”