New York State Legislature Passes Fahy, Woerner Legislation to Protect Health Care Workers, Ease Reporting Process

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany) and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D—Round Lake) announced today that the New York State Legislature has passed their legislation (S.4906A Fahy/A.6055 Woerner) which allows healthcare workers to provide victim statements at their workplaces, including hospitals, emergency medical facility, nursing home or residential health care facilities where the crime occurred, rather than the local police department or station.

Violence in hospitals and emergency departments are reaching crisis levels. Here in New York State, up to 70% of ER nurses and more than 55% of ER physicians have reported being physically assaulted while at work, most commonly by patients. One in three of these incidents leads to injury. Across the country, 73% of all nonfatal workplace violence incidents or assaults occur in the healthcare and social service sectors, and hospitals are now incurring over $18 billion annually in costs associated with violence, including staff turnover, security, and workers’ compensation.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, surveys and reports from organizations like the National Nurses United and the American College of Emergency Physicians show a significant number of healthcare workers experiencing workplace violence, with many reporting an increase in violent incidents. Despite the frequency of these attacks, many incidents go unreported, especially when victims must take time off or travel outside their already demanding shifts to file a report at a precinct. This legislation clarifies that victims will now have the option to be interviewed at the location of the assault, improving reporting rates and ultimately, workplace safety.

“This is a small yet powerful change in current law that removes a major barrier to seeking justice for our frontline healthcare workers, many of whom already struggle with fast-paced and stressful work environments,” said bill sponsor Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “Sadly, too many healthcare workers, after facing verbal threats, being kicked, punched, or worse at work—have been asked to clock out, go home, and then come down to the station to file a police report. By allowing nurses, EMTs, and techs to give statements right at work, we are sending a clear message: New York stands with and values the workers who keep our health care system running, and we’re serious about protecting them. I’m thrilled that both houses of the State Legislature have passed my legislation with Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, and I look forward to seeing Governor Hochul sign this important, commonsense change into law.”

“It’s imperative that we protect our healthcare workers who have been assaulted on the job, ensuring they are not victims twice, once by being assaulted and a second time by enduring hardships that can occur in reporting the crime,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D- Round Lake). This bill allows victims of second-degree assault the opportunity to choose to have the crime report taken while they are in their workplace rather than going to the police station. We want to help make the reporting process for crime victims easier, so as not to discourage them from filing a report. Patterns of criminal behavior can only be determined if reports are made. I’m grateful to my fellow Assembly members and to Senator Pat Fahy for passing this legislation in both the Assembly and Senate.”

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