Attacks on health care workers raise concerns

As attacks on health care workers become increasingly more common, workplace safety experts are calling on regulators and employers to better protect those caring for patients.

The rising workplace violence against nurses spurred the passage of Washington state Senate Bill 5454, which makes post-traumatic stress disorder a compensable occupational injury for nurses. The law takes effect in 2024.

Katharine Weiss, director of government affairs for the Washington State Nurses Association, said advocates brought the issue to legislators’ attention last year after several members were diagnosed with work-related PTSD but were denied workers comp benefits.