The Workplace Violence Prevention Alliance thanks Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and Senator Luis Sepúlveda for their leadership and commitment in passing the Workplace Violence Prevention Bill – a landmark step toward creating safer healthcare environments across New York State.
The Workplace Violence Prevention Alliance, a unified group comprised of the New York American College of Emergency Physicians (New York ACEP), the New York State Emergency Nurses Association (NYSENA), and the American Nurses Association – New York (ANA-NY), has been advocating since 2023 for action on the urgent issue of violence in healthcare settings, particularly in Emergency Departments (EDs).
“Our healthcare professionals deserve a workplace free from violence. The passage of this bill reaffirms that the safety of those who care for our communities must be a priority,” said Dr. Penelope C. Lema, President-Elect of New York ACEP. “We are grateful to Assemblymember [Catalina] Cruz and Senator [Luis] Sepúlveda for recognizing this critical need and driving meaningful change.”
Since its formation, the Workplace Violence Prevention Alliance has galvanized broad support from across New York’s healthcare sector. Over 70 Emergency Department leaders statewide have signed on to the Alliance, demonstrating widespread consensus and urgency on this issue. The Alliance’s position statement outlines a comprehensive and proactive strategy to eliminate violence from healthcare settings, and this bill carries those priorities forward.
“The Hospital Violence Prevention Program, Bills S.5294B (Sepúlveda) and A.203B (Cruz), has been at the root of our Legislative Advocacy work for close to two years” shared Jonathan P. Nover, MBA RN; Chair of NYSENA Government Affairs. “We are incredibly proud that the NYS Emergency Nurses Association’s partnership with New York ACEP and the ANA-NY through our NYS Workplace Violence Alliance, has helped advance this critical bill.”
This bill is not just a legislative win; it’s a victory for healthcare professionals, patients, and families alike. It is a testament to what can be achieved when lawmakers and healthcare advocates come together with a shared goal: ensuring that no one in a hospital or emergency department fears for their safety.
“ANA-NY is committed to continue working with all stakeholders in health care to assure safe workplaces for all Registered Nurses and other workers” stated Marilyn L. Dollinger DNS, RN who represents ANA-NY on the NYS Workplace Violence Alliance. “The Workplace Violence Prevention bills A.203B (Cruz) and S.5294B (Sepúlveda) provide the framework for workplace safety and training to protect patients, families, nurses and all health care workers in New York State. We thank Assemblywoman Cruz and Senator Sepúlveda for their support.”
The Alliance remains committed to continuing this work, expanding awareness, and supporting the implementation of this new law across the state. As this new policy is put into practice, the Workplace Violence Prevention Alliance will work closely with hospitals, clinicians, lawmakers, and community leaders to make our shared vision of a violence-free healthcare workplace a reality.
For more information on the Alliance or to view the full position statement, please contact: Katelynn Ethier, Executive Director, nyacep@nyacep.org