Tag: workplace violence

MHA Keystone Board Reviews Workplace Violence Prevention and Maternal Health Efforts

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA Keystone Board of Directors met Nov. 12 to review ongoing work to improve safety and quality across member organizations. The meeting opened with a connect-to-purpose story shared by Keystone Board Chair Doug Dascenzo, DNP, RN, CENP, vice president of nursing operations, Henry Ford Health, which reinforced Keystone’s focus on preventing workplace violence.

The board discussed strategies to address violence in healthcare settings, including clinics and off-site locations. Members reviewed efforts to strengthen policies, training and coordinated approaches that support safer environments for healthcare workers. The discussion emphasized that workplace violence affects staff well-being, patient safety and overall organizational performance.

The board also reviewed maternal health priorities, including the MI AIM program and the framework for maternal levels of care. The overview highlighted how levels of care categorize facilities based on their ability to provide specialized maternal services, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care tailored to their clinical needs.

The board will receive a detailed presentation on Keystone initiatives related to maternal health at a future meeting. The presentation will outline opportunities for board support in advancing work to improve maternal and infant care.

The meeting reaffirmed Keystone’s commitment to addressing critical safety and quality issues through collaborative leadership and continuous improvement.

Members with questions may contact Amy Brown at the MHA.

Hospital Nurses Ensure Healthcare Stays Top of Mind for State Legislators

Member News

The Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL) and the American Nurses Association of Michigan (ANA-MI) hosted more than 75 nurses from across the state for an advocacy day at the Michigan State Capitol on Sept. 17.

Nurses from across the state, including many from MHA member hospitals, attended the advocacy day and spoke with lawmakers about protecting healthcare workers from violence, investing in hospitals and healthcare, and nurses’ voices are included when decisions are being made at the state legislative level.

The day featured presentations on healthcare priorities from both Senate Health Policy Chair Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and House Health Policy Chair Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington). In addition, MONL and ANA-MI members heard from Representatives Natalie Price (D-Berkley) and Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) on addressing workplace safety for healthcare workers. Throughout the day, MONL and ANA-MI leaders met with nearly 45 lawmakers and staff to share legislative and budget priorities.

The MHA recognizes the nurses from member hospitals, as well as lawmakers and legislative staff, who participated in discussions, emphasizing the essential role of hospitals and the urgent need to pass a state budget that prioritizes healthcare before the Sept. 30 deadline.

Members with any questions related to legislation and advocacy efforts may contact the advocacy team at the MHA.

Violence Against Healthcare Workers Legislation Introduced

Member News

Legislation to address violence against healthcare workers was introduced June 3 in the Michigan House of Representatives.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced House Bills (HB) 4532 – 4535 to address violence against healthcare workers in the state. The bills, sponsored by Representatives Natalie Price (D-Berkley), Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), Phil Green (R-Watertown Township) and Kara Hope (D-Holt), strengthen penalties for individuals that engage in violent behavior and actions towards staff and volunteers working within a healthcare setting. In addition to strengthening these penalties, the bills create an assisted outpatient treatment pathway for those who have engaged in violent behavior in a healthcare setting, who are experiencing mental and behavioral health issues – providing support and structure for individuals coping with a mental illness.

Resident physicians had the opportunity during the MHA Graduate Medical Education Advocacy Day May 21 to highlight the importance of bipartisan legislation that protects healthcare workers from violence and share information with legislators to advocate on this issue further. HBs 4532-4535 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The MHA has worked diligently with the bill sponsors to get this legislation introduced and looks forward to the continued movement of this initiative to promote the safety and well-being of Michigan’s healthcare workforce.

Members with additional questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

Prioritizing a Culture of Safety — For Everyone in Healthcare

Member News, MHA Rounds

Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA

The MHA proudly affirms our commitment to the safety and well-being of our patients AND healthcare workers. Which is why we are diligently working to address the alarming rise in violence against healthcare workers and continue to advocate for federal legislation to make assaulting a healthcare worker a federal crime.

As the chief nursing officer for the association, I have the privilege of overseeing the MHA Keystone Center, the safety and quality arm of the association. In addition to supporting MHA’s advocacy on healthcare worker safety, the Keystone Center is a founding partner of Lawrence Technological University’s Healthcare Violence Reduction Center (HVAC). The HVAC is conducting critical, multidisciplinary research to develop innovative solutions to reduce violence against healthcare workers. We’ve also partnered with MHA Endorsed Business Partner, Tarian to offer resources that address violence.

These efforts are more urgent than ever considering new data from the American Hospital Association. Their recent report, The Burden of Violence to U.S. Hospitals, found that hospitals incurred an estimated $18.27 billion in costs related to violence in 2023 alone. Beyond the financial implications, the report also highlights the significant challenges in staff recruitment and retention and the psychological toll on healthcare workers.

Promoting a culture of safety means more than protecting patients – it means protecting those who care for them. We must not only condemn violence against healthcare workers, but also ensure that our workforce strategies and budgets prioritize protecting those who care for others.

Please join me in recognizing the American Hospital Association’s Hospitals Against Violence Day by participating in the online dialogue about how hospitals are addressing violence in healthcare settings. Use the hashtag #HAVhope to share your voice.

Together, we can create a culture where safety is universal.

A Guide to Preparing, Preventing and Responding to Violence in a Healthcare Setting

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The following article was written by MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Tarian (formerly HSS) and outlines essential strategies and best practices to create a safer environment for all.

Workplace violence in healthcare settings is an alarming reality that can jeopardize the safety of staff, patients and visitors. With the ongoing incidents of violence, all hospitals must be able to effectively prevent and respond to potential threats. Hospitals without onsite security teams must take extra steps to be proactive and ensure employees feel empowered and prepared.

Below is a brief guide for hospitals on how to prepare, prevent and respond to an act of violence.

Preparation: Developing a Comprehensive Plan

  • Risk Assessment
    Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities within the hospital. Analyze past incidents, evaluate patient demographics and assess environmental factors that may contribute to violence.
  • Policy Development
    Establish clear policies and procedures addressing workplace violence. Ensure all staff are familiar with these policies and understand the importance of reporting any incidents or suspicious behavior.
  • Training & Education
    Provide regular training for all employees, including clinical and non-clinical staff, on recognizing warning signs of potential violence, de-escalation techniques and emergency response protocols. Include role-playing scenarios to enhance skills and confidence.

Prevention: Creating a Safer Environment

  • Improve Environmental Design
    Optimize the physical environment to deter violence. This can include better lighting, clear signage and controlled access to sensitive areas. Consider implementing panic buttons or alarm systems that staff can easily access in emergencies.
  • Staff Engagement
    Foster a culture of safety by encouraging open communication among staff members. Implement regular safety meetings to discuss concerns, share experiences and brainstorm solutions to potential issues.
  • Patient Screening and Monitoring
    Screen patients for history of violence or substance abuse during intake assessments. Monitor patients exhibiting aggressive behavior closely and involve mental health professionals when necessary.

Response: Effective Action Plans

  • Emergency Response Team
    Establish a designated emergency response team composed of trained staff members who can act swiftly in the event of violent incidents. Ensure this team is familiar with the hospital layout, emergency protocols and communication channels.
  • Clear Communication Protocols
    Develop and disseminate clear communication protocols for reporting violent incidents. Staff should know who to contact and how to escalate situations quickly. Use walkie-talkies or mobile devices to maintain constant communication during emergencies.
  • Post-incident Support
    After any incident of workplace violence, provide immediate support to affected staff. This may include counseling services, debriefing sessions and follow-up care to address psychological impacts. Encourage a culture of support where staff feel comfortable discussing their experiences.

In a 2021 McKinsey & Co. workforce survey, over 60% of front line healthcare workers cited feeling unsafe as a major contributor to leaving or considering leaving their healthcare job. By implementing these strategies, hospitals, especially those without a security team, can greatly reduce violent incidents while helping the workforce feel more supported and prepared in the event of an incident.

The MHA Keystone Center has partnered with Tarian for several years to address violence in healthcare. Members who attend the MHA Safety & Quality Symposium on April 28-29, 2025 will have the opportunity to register to attend a pre-conference threat assessment workshop with Tarian for hands-on training.

Members may contact Seth Karnes, senior director of risk, consulting and training at Tarian to discuss risk assessments, staff training or policy review. Members with questions about the MHA Keystone Center and resources available may contact Adam Novak. Members with questions about the EBP program should visit the MHA’s Business Services page or contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

Media Recap: Healthcare Workplace Violence Research & Community Mental Health

Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Nov. 21 on healthcare workplace violence research and the relationship between hospitals and community mental health organizations.

The Oakland Press published a story Nov. 18 on the new Healthcare Violence Reduction Center at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. The MHA Keystone Center is a founding partner of the center as it seeks to develop strategies to reduce violence, enhance safety and improve patient care.

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA CEO Brian Peters was interviewed for the story, highlighting the importance of increased penalties for individuals who assault a healthcare worker.

“It occurs in small rural hospitals in the UP to big medical centers and everything in between,” said Peters. “We haven’t signaled to the public that it is not OK,” he said.

Second Wave Media also published an article Nov. 20 on the benefits of collaboration between Michigan hospitals and community mental health agencies.

Lauren LaPine“In Michigan, our hospital members work with community mental health agencies on a daily basis all the time to make sure that patients that come to the emergency department for behavioral health care are getting the care that they need, where and when they need it,” said Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative and public policy, MHA.

LaPine discussed a state grant to expand inpatient site capacity statewide and provided examples from several hospitals across the state about how they’re using the funds. She also mentioned Senate Bill 806, which expands the three-hour assessment responsibility by allowing clinically qualified staff to conduct pre-admission screenings for a patient presenting in an emergency department.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award

Member News
Sen. Anthony and Rep. Witwer

The MHA announced two winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 27, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The winners include Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township).

The lawmakers each chair their chamber’s appropriations committee, with Anthony the first Black woman to ever chair the Senate Appropriations Committee. These committees are responsible for determining the annual state budget, covering important healthcare areas including Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan, graduate medical education, the rural access pool and obstetrical stabilization fund, and critical access hospital reimbursement rates. Both lawmakers were strong supporters of Public Act 5 of 2023, sponsored by Witwer, which provided $75 million for hospital workforce recruitment, retention and training in the fiscal year 2023 state budget. In addition, they each fought to include enhanced funding for ongoing Level I and Level II trauma centers, inpatient psychiatric payment rates and maternal health in the fiscal year 2024 budget. Both Anthony and Witwer are strong supporters of funding Medicaid appropriately to ensure adequate reimbursement rates for providers and protect access to healthcare services.

Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing)
Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing)

In addition to her committee role, Anthony prioritizes expanding access to healthcare. She sponsored Michigan’s first mental health parity law, signed into law May 21 by Gov. Whitmer. Public Act 41 of 2024 requires insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments at the same level as physical health services. This new law eliminates existing disparities and ensure equal access to necessary care for all Michiganders. Anthony also co-sponsored key legislation last session to support the healthcare talent pipeline signed into law by Gov. Whitmer Dec. 22, 2022. Public Acts 251 and 252 of 2022 expanded the Michigan Reconnect program, allowing for several additional certifications to qualify for the post-secondary scholarship program including high-demand healthcare credentials. Other healthcare legislation Anthony sponsors includes Senate Bill 531, which is part of a package of bills supported by the MHA that would improve Michigan’s amended auto no-fault laws. The package would simplify and increase Medicare hospital reimbursements, clarify the definition of Medicare and create a new post-acute care provider fee schedule. The bills passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote and await consideration by the House.

Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township)
Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township)

Witwer’s role as a healthcare champion is inspired by more than the 22 years she spent working in healthcare to begin her career. She first started as a clinician, working in University of Michigan Health – Sparrow Lansing’s burn unit and later as the manager of pediatric rehabilitation. She later became manager of the hospital’s community relations and marketing department, before leaving the organization to co-found her own public relations, marketing and advocacy firm. These life experiences inspired Witwer’s support for Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023, which increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer by doubling the financial fines for those found guilty of such a crime.

Registration Open for Workplace Violence Prevention Safe Table

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

MHA EventsThe MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is hosting a Workplace Violence Prevention Safe Table from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the MHA Headquarters. Lunch will be provided before the safe table at 11:30 a.m.

The MHA Keystone Center PSO has partnered with Tom Peterson, MD, FAAP, chief safety officer, Trinity Health and his team to offer this free event.

Participants will learn how to:

  1. Use workplace violence metrics to identify gaps, opportunities and progress.
  2. Successfully design and implement a Zero-Tolerance Code of Conduct and a Code of Conduct program.
  3. Implement critical preventive tools such as electronic risk scoring and safety planning, early preventive response teams, and a zero-tolerance policy and process.
  4. Share other proven workplace violence prevention strategies from their organization and collaborate with other hospitals and health systems.

The target audience for this event is chief quality officers, chief safety officers, chief nursing officers, vice presidents of quality, safety, and risk, vice presidents of clinical transformation, nursing leaders, directors of quality improvement, directors of patient safety and performance improvement directors.

Nursing and risk management credits are being pursued.

Members with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center PSO.