Hospital Security Bill Signed Into Law!

Milton Roldan, RN
E.R., West Hills Hospital

This legislation will make our hospital administration work with the Union and employees every year to make sure their plan provides proper and effective security.

     AB 1083, a bill SEIU 121RN members brought to California legislators in response to concerns about workplace violence, was signed by the Governor on October 11, 2009. Local 121RN sponsored the bill after surveying members about workplace violence and aggression this past March and April. Nearly 50 percent of respondents had witnessed violence or aggression at their hospital. And 55 percent of those responding said they have not received adequate safety training at their hospital.

     Various members of Local 121RN lobbied lawmakers in Sacramento to pass the bill. According to the summary from the bill’s Legislative sponsor, Assemblyman John A Perez, District 46, AB 1083: “Requires hospitals to annually review and update the security and safety assessment regulations plan currently in the law to help ensure patients and workers do not become victims of violence. Specifically this bill amends current law to update the security assessment and security plan annually; attempt to cooperate with local law enforcement; consult with their employees and their union, if any, and members of the hospital staff.”

 AB 1083 Signed by Gov Member