H.R.3178 - Save Healthcare Workers Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3178, the Save Healthcare Workers Act, aims to protect hospital personnel from violence by establishing federal penalties for assault and intimidation. It also provides grants to hospitals for implementing violence prevention programs. The bill addresses the increasing incidence of violence against healthcare workers, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Act amends Title 18 of the United States Code to include a new section addressing assault of hospital personnel and introduces a grant program under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
This legislation seeks to provide a safer working environment for healthcare workers and ensure the continued delivery of healthcare services.
Expected Effects
The Save Healthcare Workers Act will likely lead to increased federal involvement in prosecuting violence against hospital personnel. Hospitals may receive federal grants to improve security measures and training programs. This could result in a reduction in workplace violence incidents in hospitals and improved morale among healthcare workers.
Increased penalties for assaulting healthcare workers could deter potential offenders. The grant program could lead to the implementation of better security infrastructure and training programs in hospitals across the country.
Ultimately, the bill aims to improve the safety and well-being of hospital staff, leading to better patient care and a more stable healthcare workforce.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Safety for Healthcare Workers: The bill provides legal protections and resources to reduce violence against hospital personnel.
- Improved Healthcare Delivery: By reducing violence, healthcare workers can focus on patient care, leading to better outcomes.
- Federal Resources for Hospitals: Grants will enable hospitals to implement security measures and training programs.
- Deterrence of Violent Acts: Increased penalties may discourage individuals from assaulting hospital staff.
- Support for a Vital Workforce: A safer work environment can improve morale and reduce turnover among healthcare workers.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Federal Overreach: Some may argue that this bill expands federal jurisdiction into areas traditionally handled by state and local authorities.
- Increased Federal Spending: The grant program requires significant funding, potentially increasing the federal budget.
- Possible Unintended Consequences: The affirmative defense for individuals with disabilities could be subject to misinterpretation or abuse.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses primarily on hospitals, potentially neglecting other healthcare settings where violence may occur.
- Administrative Burden: Hospitals may face challenges in applying for and managing the grant funds.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality rests on the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to regulate activities that substantially affect interstate commerce. The findings section of the bill argues that violence against hospital employees affects interstate commerce due to the economic significance of healthcare, the interstate nature of hospital revenue, and the impact on the workforce.
The bill also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), as it aims to promote the well-being of healthcare workers and ensure the delivery of essential medical services. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the bill attempts to justify federal involvement through the Commerce Clause.
Overall, the constitutional alignment is moderate, depending on the interpretation of the Commerce Clause and the extent to which violence against hospital employees is deemed to substantially affect interstate commerce.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).