Karen Coughlin is pushing for legislation to address workplace violence in wellness care facilities. She believes these facilities must be expected to assess the danger components linked with workplace violence and produce a strategy with input from direct care employees on how to address the dilemma. This strategy must be re-evaluated annually. In addition, reporting mechanisms must be in location so that information can be collected and shared with the Division of Public Overall health. At the moment, hospitals are reluctant to report incidents, but there must be penalties and reporting needs to make sure accountability. Victims of workplace assault must also be provided time off to address the concern if they opt for to file a lawsuit. Coughlin supports legislation that would raise penalties for assaults on wellness care workers in the workplace.
Though Massachusetts does not at present have laws criminalizing workplace violence against healthcare workers, 32 other states do. In total, 38 states have laws addressing workplace violence against wellness care workers and nurses. Coughlin emphasizes that the presence of a measurable and enforceable workplace violence prevention system leads to improved high-quality of care, decreased incidents of violence and a much more pleasant operate atmosphere. This, in turn, assists with employees recruitment and retention. Coughlin believes that healthcare workers must really feel supported and have the potential to operate by means of incidents of workplace violence with the assistance of administrators, employers and colleagues.