Gov. Whitmer signed into law Dec. 6 House Bills 4520 and 4521, which increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer. Now referred to as Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023, the financial fines are doubled for those found guilty of assault towards a healthcare worker or volunteer.
The bills were signed as part of a ceremony held at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. The MHA joined a variety of healthcare organizations in attendance to celebrate this positive step in ensuring violence against healthcare workers is not tolerated.
The new laws also require the posting of signage at hospitals to inform individuals they may be subject to higher financial penalties if they assault a healthcare worker or volunteer. The MHA has new, updated signage available for MHA members to order at no cost. Hospitals will need to post compliant, updated signage in a conspicuous location by March 4, 2024. Hospitals may create and use their own signage but must ensure any updated signs meet the requirements of the new laws.
A press release was published by the Executive Office of the Governor, which includes a quote of support from MHA CEO Brian Peters.
While celebrating this accomplishment, the MHA will continue to work on more opportunities to protect the healthcare workforce from violence in the workplace and to improve the recruitment, retention and training of healthcare workers.
Members with questions on any of the bills should contact Adam Carlson or Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.