LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Health care workers are six times more likely to experience workplace violence than any other industry.
Violence against health care workers has risen over the past few years. Now, the Kentucky Hospital Association is launching a new initiative to help stop it.
In 2024, Kentucky passed a new law that makes any assault against a health care worker in a health care setting a felony. Suspects can face up to five years in prison and, depending on the severity, an additional five to 10 years could be added to a sentence.
Leaders with the KHA hope their campaign helps everyone share the message widely.
"We are very careful with the messaging that we want to take better care of you," John Hamm, with the KHA, said. "One of our posters basically says, is that hospitals are healing places and we want to keep it safe for everyone and and so the PSA does focus on that. It does have a part about the new felony law. But otherwise it is reminding patients and their families, you know, this is a safe place."
Hamm said multiple incidents have been reported where people have been arrested under the new Kentucky law. He added that the KHA has created a compliance guide that their members can use for patients and family members to sign.
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