SF 1071 requires licensed hospitals to take steps to prevent acts of violence against health care workers.

Section 1 [144.566] adds a new section of law.

Subdivision 1 provides definitions of act of violence; commissioner; health care workers; hospital; incidence response; interfere; preparedness; and retaliate.

Subdivision 2, paragraph (a), requires hospitals to design and implement preparedness and incident response action plans, and submit an annual report to the commissioner.

Paragraph (b) requires hospitals to establish a committee to develop the plans and aid in the implementation of the plans.

Paragraph (c) requires that one element of the plan be a methodology for providing assistance in potentially violent situations.

Paragraph (d) specifies elements of required staff training.

Paragraph (e) specifies required elements of annual reports.

Paragraph (f) prohibits hospitals from interfering with a health care worker’s ability report violence.

Paragraph (g) permits the commissioner to impose a fine of $250 on hospitals that fail to comply with the annual report requirements.