The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on and pass the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R.1195). The legislation directs OSHA to issue a safety and health standard that would require certain health care and social service sector employers to implement workplace violence prevention plans.

The bill would define workplace violence as any act or threat of force against an employee that could result in a physical injury, psychological trauma, or stress. It also would include any act where a firearm or an improvised weapon was used.

The standard would apply to a range of settings, including hospitals, residential treatment facilities, clinics at correctional facilities, community care settings, and federal healthcare facilities. Notably, the standard would not include any dentist or doctor’s office that isn’t physically located in a covered facility.

Impact on General Dentistry: AGD appreciates that H.R.1195 would not impose further regulatory burdens on most dental practices. A one-size-fits-all standard for compliance and enforcement could present significant challenges for dental practices’ unique settings and circumstances throughout the country. OSHA has published voluntary Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers, which are useful resources for employers.