Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed legislation aimed at improving safety for patients, families and health care workers in Virginia hospitals and medical facilities.
Joined by legislators, health care professionals and local leaders at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Spanberger signed House Bill 229 and Senate Bill 173, patroned by Del. Phil Hernandez and Sen. Angelia Williams Graves. The legislation prohibits firearms and other dangerous weapons inside medical facilities that provide mental health and developmental services.
“As a former federal law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of keeping our communities safe — particularly in places where people are most vulnerable,” Spanberger said. “Whether you’re recovering from surgery, visiting a family member, or one of the hardworking doctors and nurses who care for our loved ones, you deserve to do so without fear. I am proud to be the Governor who says ‘yes’ to commonsense legislation that keeps Virginians safe.”
Spanberger said hospitals providing mental health and developmental services should be places of care and stability.
“I am grateful to Senator Williams Graves and Delegate Hernandez for their persistence in getting this done — and leading us in taking an important step to make Virginia communities a safer place for all,” she said.
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, health care workers are four to five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other industries. The agency reports that as many as 76% of health care workers have experienced violence, while 33% have experienced physical violence.
“This legislation ensures that hospitals remain places of comfort and safety,” Williams Graves said. “I am proud to have worked with Delegate Hernandez for the third year, and I am grateful that this important measure has now been signed into law.”
Hernandez said the legislation is intended to improve workplace safety for medical professionals.
“After three years of working on this legislation, Virginia is finally telling our frontline healthcare workers what they’ve always deserved to hear: your workplace will be safe,” Hernandez said. “These are the people who care for us at our most vulnerable moments, and no nurse or doctor should fear for their safety while saving someone else’s life.”
The measure builds on a series of public safety initiatives signed by Spanberger this year, including legislation related to school safety, emergency preparedness and law enforcement support.
