CMS releases safety expectations on workplace violence

Editor's Note 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new memorandum on November 28 emphasizing the importance of enforcing regulations and expectations to create a safe environment for hospital staff when delivering patient care, the American Hospital Association reported on November 28.

According to the memo, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Fact Sheet found that healthcare workers accounted for 73%  of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence in 2018. “Exposure to workplace violence hazards come at a high cost; however, with appropriate controls in place, it can be addressed,” noted the CMS Directors of the Quality, Safety & Oversight and Survey & Operations groups. The memo reminds hospitals of their responsibility to provide training, sufficient staffing levels, and ongoing assessment of patients and residents to scan for aggressive behavior and indicators, in order to maintain a safe environment.  CMS notes that it has given penalties to hospitals for failing to meet these safety expectations in the past. 

Read the CMS Memorandum.