AB 2975: Enhancing Workplace Safety in Hospitals: California’s New Weapons Detection Screening Bill

Understanding the New Requirements

Building on the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973, a new bill mandates stricter safety measures in hospitals to protect healthcare workers and facility personnel from violence. Effective no later than March 1, 2027, hospitals will be required to integrate weapons detection screening policies into their workplace violence prevention plans. These measures aim to bolster safety while ensuring no one is denied medical care.

Key Changes

1. Weapons Detection Screening:

   • Hospitals must implement automated weapons detection devices at designated entrances.
   • Screening protocols must accommodate individuals who decline to undergo device screening through alternative search methods.

2. Trained Personnel:

   • Hospitals are required to assign personnel trained to handle screenings and respond to incidents involving dangerous weapons.

3. Response Protocols:

   • Hospitals must establish clear procedures for managing situations where a dangerous weapon is detected, ensuring the safety of staff and visitors while maintaining compliance with federal law.

4. Public Notifications:

   • Hospitals must post visible notices near public entrances informing visitors of the weapons screening policy. The notices must also clarify that no individual will be refused medical care based on screening results.

5. Compliance Timeline:

   • The Division of Occupational Safety and Health will enforce compliance within 90 days after the standards are adopted.

HR and Safety Best Practices

1. Update Safety Protocols:

   • Revise the hospital’s Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) to incorporate weapons detection and workplace violence prevention measures.

2. Train Staff:

   • Provide comprehensive training for personnel assigned to weapons screening to ensure they can handle incidents calmly and effectively.

3. Communicate with Visitors:

   • Develop clear, empathetic messaging to explain the importance of screenings, emphasizing patient and staff safety.

4. Review Alternative Procedures:

   • Ensure alternative search methods are respectful, efficient, and compliant with privacy standards to accommodate visitors who decline device screenings.

5. Prepare for Compliance Deadlines:

   • Start planning now to meet the March 2027 deadline, allowing adequate time to implement new technologies and train staff.

Legislative Impacts

This bill strengthens protections for healthcare workers while balancing patient care rights under federal law. It also expands the scope of employer responsibilities under California workplace safety laws, which could expose hospitals to penalties for non-compliance.

While the bill imposes a state-mandated local program, no reimbursement will be provided for these changes, leaving hospitals to manage associated costs independently.

Closing Remarks

This legislation underscores California’s commitment to improving workplace safety for healthcare workers. By implementing these new measures, hospitals can create a safer environment for both staff and patients while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws.

Need Assistance with Compliance?

Employer’s Guardian provides expert guidance on workplace safety and compliance. Let us help your hospital meet these new standards with ease. Contact us today to learn more.