EAW ‘upset’ with California governor’s veto of workplace violence law

The Emergency Nurses Association expressed disappointment with California Governor Jerry Brown’s veto decision AB 172, laws that may increase penalties for violence against medical staff committed in emergency departments, in response to an announcement issued by the EAW. “We are disappointed with the Governor’s veto as we have worked tirelessly in hopes of making California the 33rd state to increase penalties for workplace violence, recognizing that violence directed at emergency room nurses should never be tolerated,” said ENA President Matthew F. .Powers BSN, MS, RN, MICP, CEN, in an announcement. Under current California law, assault or battery on a physician or nurse providing emergency medical care outside a hospital, clinic, or health care facility is punishable by a high quality of as much as $2,000, one yr in prison, or each. However, if an assault or battery occurs in a health care facility, the offense is punishable by a maximum of six months in prison. If passed, AB 172 would impose penalties for battery on a physician, nurse, or other hospital health care skilled providing services within the ED just like those committed off hospital premises. “We believe that emergency health care providers should be afforded the same protection against workplace violence inside and outside a health care facility,” the EAW statement said. “This bill passed unanimously in both the California State Assembly and Senate earlier this year.” According to Governor Brown’s statement to the California State Assembly, the Governor doesn’t consider that an extended sentence for such crimes will act as a deterrent to criminals. “Emergency rooms are overcrowded and often chaotic,” Governor Brown said in an announcement. “I have great respect for the work done by ambulance staff and I recognize the daunting challenges they face every day. If there was evidence that an additional six months in the county jail (three months after good time credits were applied) would improve the safety of these workers or serve as a deterrent, I would sign this bill, I doubt it would do anything.” ENA said research published within the Journal of Emergency Nursing shows that greater than 70% of emergency department nurses have encountered physical or verbal abuse from patients or visitors while providing care within the emergency department. According to the magazine, several aspects contributed significantly to the violence, including long wait times, boarding, patients with a history of violence, and patients under the influence of medication or alcohol. To comment, please write an email [email protected].