Assaults on health workers cost hospitals $18B annually

Hospitals in the country are shelling out as much as $18 billion annually to keep healthcare workers safe, according to a University of Washington report for the American Hospital Association (AHA).

The massive amount includes $3.6 billion for prevention efforts, such as active shooter training, hiring additional security staff, reinforcing entry points, and designating safe rooms. The remainder, which comes to ~$14.6 billion, is used for treating injuries, replacing damaged equipment, and covering lost productivity. 

Of that, over $13 billion is spent solely on treating injured workers. 

Violence, which was already on the rise since before the pandemic, surged with backlash against public health measures. 

Nurses, aides, and patient care assistants face the greatest risks, especially in emergency, psychiatric, and geriatric units.

A 2024 AHA poll found that 50% of US nurses faced verbal or physical abuse in the past two years.

Congress is reviewing a proposal to make assaulting hospital staff a federal crime, similar to laws protecting flight crews.