Brief Description: Reducing workplace violence in state hospitals.

Sponsors: By Representatives Conway, Wood, Green, Hudgins, McCoy, Lovick, Darneille, Morrell, Chase, Cody, Kenney and Sells.

House Committee on Commerce & Labor
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:

According to a Department of Labor and Industries report published in 2004, data from 1995 to 2000 show that social services and health services accounted for over 50 percent of assault- or violence-related claims in the workplace. From 1993 to 2003, the rate of assault-related claims at state mental hospitals was 8.4 claims per 100 full-time employees.

Legislation enacted in 2000 required state mental hospitals to take certain actions related to protecting employees from workplace violence. In particular, state hospitals were required to:

• develop and implement plans to protect employees from workplace violence;
• provide violence prevention training; and
• keep records of violent acts committed against employees or patients at the hospitals.

In addition, the Department of Social and Health Services was required to report annually to the Legislature on efforts to reduce workplace violence.

Legislation enacted in 2003 repealed this reporting requirement.

Summary:

The requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services report annually on its efforts to reduce violence in state hospitals is restored. The report must be made to the House Commerce & Labor Committee and the Senate Commerce & Trade Committee by September 1 of each year.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   85   0
Senate   46   0

Effective: July 24, 2005