Home Education

Workplace Violence

House Bill 450
The Ohio Nurses Association applauds the introduction of House Bill 450 (HB 450) on February 11, 2010, sponsored by State Representatives Denise Driehaus (D-Cincinnati) and Linda S. Bolon (D-Columbiana). The bill will increase the penalty for assault when the victim is a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse engaged in the performance of official duties whom the offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.

HB 450 recognizes that violent acts against nurses in the workplace occur more frequently than in any other profession. ONA is pleased that Reps. Driehaus and Bolon recognize that an assault on a nurse should be treated the same as an assault on school employees, police, fire and EMS workers, which under Ohio Revised Code 2903.13 is a fourth degree felony with a mandatory twelve-month prison sentence.

“I recognize and appreciate the integral role nurses fill in our health care system,” said Rep. Driehaus.  “I want to do everything in my power to not only protect these hard-working men and women as they do their jobs but also to aid this vital profession in its efforts to recruit the next generation of nurses.”

“ONA has long advocated for legislation to protect nurses from violence in the workplace, and we are proud to support House Bill 450 as a key part of ONA’s overall workplace violence prevention initiative,” said Elise Geig, ONA Director of Health Policy.
The bill has received bipartisan support from across the state, including the following legislators:

Democrats
John Domenick, District 95, Smithfield
Kenny Yuko, District 07, Richmond Heights
Nancy Garland, District 20, Gahanna
Matt Patten, District 18, Strongsville
Kathleen Chandler, District 68, Kent
Roland Winburn, District 40, Dayton
Tom Letson, District 64, Warren

Republicans
Scott Oelslager, District 51, North Canton
Randy Gardner, District 6, Bowling Green

Workplace Violence Media Coverage

 
Nurses often assaulted at work | The Columbus DispatchFeb 23, 2010

Editorial: Occupational hazard - Change in law isn't way to protect nurses from violence  | The Columbus Dispatch Mar 1, 2010
 

Opinion: Nurses need protection of legislation against assault  | The Columbus Dispatch Mar 6, 2010

Proposal in Ohio House would increase punishment for assaulting nurses  | MedCity News Feb 16, 2010

 
Ohio Bill Would Stiffen Penalties for Violence Against Nurses | HealthLeaders Media, Feb 17, 2010

 
Sponsor says legislation designed to ensure greater protection for Ohio's nurses | Daily  Reporter, Feb 26, 2010

Nurses want stronger laws | Ohio News Network, Feb 24, 2010