West Ascension Parish Hospital is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful environment for employees, patients, visitors, medical staff, vendors, contractors, students, and volunteers.
This policy establishes expectations, prevention strategies, reporting requirements, response procedures, and post-incident follow-up related to workplace violence.
Scope
This policy applies to all workforce members and all individuals present on hospital property or while engaged in hospital business, including off-site activities, outreach events, and hospital-sponsored programs as applicable.
Policy Statement
West Ascension Parish Hospital has zero tolerance for workplace violence, threats, intimidation, harassment, or disruptive behavior that creates a risk to the health or safety of any person.
Acts or threats of violence may result in removal from the premises, disciplinary action up to and including termination, notification to law enforcement, and any other action permitted by law or hospital policy.
Definition of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence includes violent acts, threats of violence, intimidation, harassment, physical assault, verbal abuse that escalates to a safety risk, stalking, brandishing of weapons, destruction of property, or any behavior that places another person in reasonable fear of harm.
This may include actions by patients, family members, visitors, coworkers, supervisors, contractors, vendors, or any individual interacting with the hospital.
Examples of Prohibited Conduct
- Physical assault or attempted assault
- Threats, intimidation, coercion, or aggressive behavior
- Verbal abuse that creates fear of harm
- Stalking or harassment
- Possession or use of dangerous weapons except as authorized by law and policy
- Intentional damage to property in a threatening context
- Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith
Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Promote a culture of safety, enforce policy requirements, support reporting, coordinate corrective action, and participate in risk assessments and prevention efforts. |
| Human Resources / Safety / Security | Support training, maintain reporting processes, investigate incidents, coordinate response measures, and monitor trends for prevention and improvement. |
| Employees and Workforce Members | Treat others respectfully, remain alert to warning signs, follow de-escalation procedures, report incidents immediately, and cooperate in investigations. |
Prevention and Preparedness
- Ongoing education and training on workplace violence prevention and response
- Orientation for permanent and temporary employees
- Annual training for healthcare workers who provide direct patient care
- Assessment of workplace risk factors and security concerns
- Review of alarms, panic buttons, communication systems, and security measures
- Post-incident debriefing and support resources
Reporting Requirements
All incidents, threats, attempted acts, or behaviors raising a reasonable concern for safety must be reported immediately to a supervisor, Security, Administration, Human Resources, or designated hospital leadership.
When there is an immediate threat, staff should call 911 and/or Security without delay.
Response Procedures
- Take immediate action to protect life and safety
- Contact 911 and/or Security during active or imminent threats
- Remove individuals from danger when safe to do so
- Use de-escalation techniques when appropriate
- Notify hospital leadership and follow emergency response procedures
- Preserve evidence and document the incident
- Arrange medical care and emotional support for affected individuals
Non-Retaliation
West Ascension Parish Hospital prohibits retaliation against any person who, in good faith, reports workplace violence, requests assistance, contacts emergency services, participates in an investigation, or raises a safety concern.
Corrective Action
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, contract termination, removal from assignment, loss of privileges, removal from the premises, or notification to law enforcement.
Patient Care Considerations
When workplace violence involves a patient or patient representative, the hospital will balance safety interventions with the patient’s clinical condition, rights, and care needs.
Staff should consider factors such as medical condition, behavioral health needs, pain, intoxication, cognitive status, fear, or communication barriers while maintaining safety.
Signage and Public Notice
The hospital may post signage stating that abuse, threats, or assault of healthcare staff will not be tolerated and may result in removal, criminal prosecution, or other action as appropriate.
Documentation, Review, and Improvement
The hospital maintains records related to workplace violence reports, investigations, education, prevention efforts, and follow-up actions as required by law and hospital practice.
Trends and contributing factors are reviewed periodically to improve prevention strategies, staffing considerations, security measures, and environmental controls.
Related Policies and References
- Emergency Management / Incident Response
- Security Management
- Employee Conduct / Code of Conduct
- Patient Rights and Responsibilities
- Behavioral Health / De-escalation Procedures
- Human Resources Corrective Action Policies
