Addressing Workplace Violence in Texas Healthcare

Workplace violence in healthcare settings has become an escalating concern, with states like Texas enacting comprehensive measures to safeguard the well-being of healthcare professionals. Recent legislative actions, notably Senate Bill 240 (SB 240), highlight the state's commitment to addressing this critical issue. This proposed legislation, with a deadline of Sept. 1, 2024, seeks to improve workplace safety for healthcare professionals in specific Texas health facilities by introducing a comprehensive framework for preventing workplace violence.

Workplace Violence in Texas Healthcare

Statistics reveal a disturbing prevalence of workplace violence against nurses and healthcare workers across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare and social service workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence injuries compared to professionals in other fields. The 2019 Healthcare Crime Survey reveals that the majority of assaults on healthcare workers come from patients and their families, particularly in emergency rooms, where a significant portion of incidents occur. The escalating rates of violence are evident, as nearly half of the nurses observed an increase in such incidents during 2023.

In Texas specifically, over half of the state’s nurses have encountered workplace violence during their careers, with a staggering 82% reporting instances of verbal abuse. Workplace violence in healthcare settings can be caused by a number of factors, including the unpredictable behaviors of emotionally stressed patients and families. Systemic issues within organizations also contribute to violence against healthcare workers, such as high-stress work environments, staff shortages, lack of policies and training, overcrowding, extended wait times, rigid visiting hours, and inadequate information.

Impacts on Healthcare Staff

Workplace violence not only results in immediate physical harm, including injury and death, but also impacts employees overall through diminished job satisfaction, lowered morale, heightened stress levels, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. The Report on Workplace Violence from National Nurses United (NNU) shows a severe impact on healthcare workers in particular. The 2023 NNU survey indicated that 65.3% of nurses experience heightened anxiety, fear, or increased vigilance due to workplace violence.

One in three nurses reported encountering physical injuries or other symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches, attributable to workplace violence, and more than a quarter of nurses expressed difficulty working in an environment that triggered memories of previous incidents, also known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The survey also found a direct correlation between workplace violence and burnout. These high turnover rates (6 in 10 RNs report having left their job or considered it due to workplace violence) are contributing significantly to the healthcare staffing crisis.

Legislative Responses and New Initiatives

The emphasis of SB 240 is on creating a safer environment for healthcare providers and employees, addressing incidents of violence, and providing immediate post-incident support. The legislation prohibits discrimination or retaliation against individuals reporting workplace violence and has a planned deadline of Sept. 1, 2024. SB 840 also stands out for designating assault on a healthcare worker within a hospital property as a third-degree felony, emphasizing the severity with which Texas aims to deter such incidents.

While SB 240 doesn't provide a citation or penalty structure, it grants licensing agencies the authority to initiate disciplinary actions against healthcare facilities that fail to comply. The facilities covered in SB 240 include licensed home and community support services agencies providing home health services with a minimum of two registered nurses, licensed hospitals (or hospitals that are exempt from licensing but operated by a Texas state agency), licensed nursing facilities with at least two registered nurses, licensed ambulatory surgical centers, freestanding emergency medical care facilities, and licensed mental hospitals.

Proactive Measures and Training Programs

In response to this alarming trend, Texas healthcare facilities can take proactive steps to mitigate workplace violence. In addition to the workplace violence plans detailed in SB 240, these measures can include the implementation of awareness campaigns and training programs focusing on non-violent de-escalation techniques. A crucial aspect of this method is offering courses that help identify patient behavior and guide staff on appropriate responses, including real-life scenarios demonstrating the importance of personal space and respectful communication.

While behavioral health and emergency departments often already receive de-escalation training, providing education on this form of prevention to other units can be especially effective. Implementing alerts in patient records for those with a history of aggression also allows for the creation of safety care plans, with periodic reviews ensuring their ongoing relevance without unfairly profiling individuals.

Creating a Safer Healthcare Environment in Texas

Effectively addressing workplace violence in Texas healthcare requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing clear communication and the implementation of thorough safety training initiatives. Prioritizing psychological safety through education is vital to cultivating an environment where healthcare workers can execute their duties without anxiety. Healthcare organizations in Texas can utilize resources like EasyLlama’s Workplace Violence training to enhance employee education on responding to violent incidents safely. Our Texas-specific course on Workplace Violence addresses the requirement of SB 240 and offers valuable training on building a safer workplace for both healthcare professionals and patients. Learn more with a free EasyLlama course preview today!