Today, House Bill 4520 and House Bill 4521 were signed into law by Governor Whitmer. For many years, MCEP has advocated for healthcare workers to have similar protections from violence as other first responders. This legislation will increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer in emergency departments. While this legislation is just one step towards improving workplace safety, MCEP will continue to address violence in the ED and additional protections for the healthcare workforce through our advocacy efforts at the state and federal level.
This is a great moment for physicians and staff in Michigan’s emergency department settings and the culmination of several years of work by MCEP members!
Michael Fill, DO, FACEP
President, Michigan College of Emergency Physicians