U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-WV, and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., are championing a proposal that ““would criminalize the intentional assault of hospital employees.”

The senators offered their reasons for backing the “Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act.”

“Acts of violence committed against healthcare workers is a growing issue in Florida and across the country. One study found 76 percent of American nurses had been assaulted at least once during their careers. Amid the national healthcare worker shortage, hospital staff cite workplace violence as one of the top reasons for leaving their jobs,” Rubio’s office noted.

“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of injuries from violent attacks against medical professionals grew by 63 percent from 2011 to 2018, while hospital safety directors say that aggression against staff has escalated since COVID-19 intensified in 2020. In the second quarter of 2022, more than two nursing personnel were assaulted every hour, equating to 57 assaults per day, 1,739 assaults per month and 5,217 assaults per quarter. With the increase in violence against hospital workers and healthcare worker burnout, it is clear that we need to protect healthcare workers and make their safety a priority,” noted Machin’s office.

The senators pointed out that almost 40 states have passed laws cracking down on violence against healthcare workers but stressed there was no federal law on the matter.

“This bill would mirror protections for aircraft and airport workers and would allow extra tools for prosecutors to charge individuals threatening hospitals and their workers. By creating stronger penalties for those who assault or harass hospital workers, this legislation would deter and prevent violence against hospital employees. Additionally, the bill would provide a clause of reasonable defense if the patient is mentally incapacitated due to illness or substance use,” Manchin’s office noted.

The senators weighed in on the bill this week.

“The SAVE Act would provide much-needed protections for our healthcare workers. It is unacceptable that these dedicated professionals have to put their lives at risk just to do their jobs. The SAVE Act would protect healthcare workers from violence by creating new criminal penalties for acts of intentional assault. I am proud to join Senator Manchin in leading this important bipartisan legislation and I urge my colleagues to support,” said Rubio

“Our nation’s healthcare workers tirelessly care for the health and well-being of communities across the country, even in the face of increased violence, threats, and intimidation. This legislation would create a safer working environment for hospital staff, deter violent behavior, and make sure that assailants are appropriately held accountable. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense bill and support our healthcare professionals so they can continue to focus on treating their patients,” said Manchin.

The Florida Hospital Association (FHA), the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the American Hospital Association (AHA), America’s Essential Hospitals and the Emergency Nurses Association are all backing the proposal.

“Protecting the hospital workforce is paramount. They work tirelessly to deliver excellent patient care and deserve protection from workplace violence. The Florida Hospital Association (FHA) applauds Senators Rubio and Manchin for leading on this issue and introducing the SAVE Act of 2023 to strengthen federal law to protect hospital employees from assault. This year, the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis prioritized the passage of legislation to enhance criminal penalties for persons who knowingly commit assault or battery upon hospital personnel anywhere in the hospital. FHA proudly supports legislation that offers similar protections at the federal level. Thank you, Senators, for sending a clear message that violence against hospital workers anywhere in the U.S. will not be tolerated,” said Mary Mayhew, the president and CEO of the FHA.

U.S. Reps. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind., and Madeline Dean, D-Penn., are championing the bill in the U.S. House.