Washington, D.C. — This April, in recognition of Workplace Safety Month, our organizations are joining together to affirm that workplace violence in healthcare is not inevitable — it is preventable. Health care workers are the foundation of a safe and effective healthcare system, but every day they face an unacceptable reality: the risk of violence on the job. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has consistently shown that health care and social service workers experience workplace violence at higher rates than workers in any other sector, a troubling trend that only continues to persist and intensify. Workplace violence encompasses any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening, disruptive behavior occurring in the workplace. In healthcare settings, it affects nurses, physicians, technicians, pharmacists, support staff, patients, and families alike. These acts of aggression — whether verbal or physical — are entirely unacceptable.

As national organizations representing the full spectrum of health care delivery, including hospital systems, clinicians, patients, and advocates, we stand united in our belief that no one should be harmed while providing or receiving care. Workplace violence erodes the safety and dignity of health care environments, directly contributes to workforce burnout and turnover, and compromises the quality of care for patients. This violence undermines our health care system’s ability to provide safe, healing environments for all.

We are committed to raising awareness, driving meaningful action, and working collaboratively across our fields to build healthcare environments where every worker is protected and every patient is safe.

• American Nurses Association
• Children’s Hospital Association
• American Academy of Physician Associates
• American College of Emergency Physicians
• American Hospital Association
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
• Association of American Medical Colleges
• National Association of Social Workers
• National Rural Health Association

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 40,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.