Requiring Violence Prevention Measures And A Panic Button System For Nurses In Minnesota Healthcare Facilities

 

The purpose of this bill is to make nurses feel safer at work by requiring hospitals and clinics in Minnesota to put

basic violence prevention policies in place, including panic button systems and staff safety training.

 

Violence against nurses has been rapidly increasing throughout the years, and many of these incidents can go unreported

or are treated as “just part of the job.” Nurses across Minnesota have reported being punched, shoved, screamed at, or

threatened by patients and sometimes even visitors as well. Most facilities do not have a consistent plan for preventing

or responding to these situations. Other states have tried to pass similar bills, but a lot have stalled because

hospitals did not want to provide the money for new safety requirements. This ultimately has lead to many working in

unsafe conditions or leaving the field completely. Having panic buttons, better security measures, and better staff

safety training are simple steps that could create a safer environment for everyone. This bill is to help prevent this

safety crisis nurses face and implement real safety standards.

 

Healthcare Facility: Any hospital, clinic, or emergency room that employs nurses.

Panic Button System: A portable or wall-mounted emergency alert device that allows healthcare workers to immediately

notifies a nurse to alert security or get immediate help with a situation becomes unsafe.

Violence Protection Plan: A written plan explaining how a facility will prevent violence, handle aggressive situations

and keep staff safe.

Minnesota Department of Health: The state agency that will make sure facilities follow the bill and review their safety

plans.

 

The funding for this bill will come from the Minnesota Department of Health’s safety budget. Money can be used for

purchasing panic button systems, security improvement, required staff training, and safety equipment. Up to $3 million

dollars can be set aside to help facilitate smaller and bigger facilities, cover these costs.

 

Minnesota Department of Health will check and ensure that facilities are following these requirements.

Facilities that fail to install panic buttons or create a violence protection plan may be fined from $5,000 to $20,000

depending on the situation.

Facilities that repeatedly ignore these requirements may face larger fines as a result.

Facilities must report workplace violence incidents to the Minnesota Department of Health every year. Missing a report

can result in a $2,000 fine.

 

 

This bill will go into effect on January 1st, 2028.