Legislation to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes Senate

SB25-166 would bring stakeholders together to reduce workplace violence in hospitals

DENVER, CO – A bill to examine and reduce workplace violence against health care workers in Colorado passed the Senate today. 

SB25-166, sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, would add a workplace violence performance metric to the state’s quality incentive program and empower the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to consult with stakeholders to address workplace violence. 

“As an ER nurse, I’ve been threatened and attacked while doing my job. And I’m not alone – health care workers across Colorado face workplace violence every day,” said Mullica. “This bill would protect Colorado’s health care workers by bringing experts together to create metrics, implement best practices, and ensure that hospitals keep those who provide life-saving care safe from violence.”

In consultation with stakeholders, HCPF would develop workplace violence performance metrics, explore funding opportunities, and provide legislative recommendations. The group would include Medicaid providers, hospital associations, nurse representatives, and relevant state agencies.

The bill would also empower HCPF to assess hospitals’ adoption of a formal workplace violence policy.

Health care and social service workers experience the highest rates of workplace violence-related injuries and are five times more likely to be injured on the job compared to other industries.

SB25-166 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.