Nearly 200 emergency nurses advocated for workplace safety and mental health legislation during meetings with lawmakers Wednesday as part of their annual lobbying effort in Washington.
Members of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) met with congressional representatives to push for two key bills: the Save Healthcare Workers Act, which would make assaulting healthcare workers a federal offense, and reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, which funds mental health programs for healthcare professionals.
“Since 1999, ENA members have used their voices on Capitol Hill as part of this cornerstone ENA event to bring awareness and call for action on the issues of greatest importance to emergency nurses, their peers and their patients,” said ENA President Ryan Oglesby.
The emergency nurses emphasized the pressing need to address workplace violence in emergency departments, where verbal and physical assaults have become increasingly common. The Save Healthcare Workers Act, expected to be reintroduced soon, would establish federal penalties for such assaults.
Healthcare worker mental health
Participants also advocated for continued funding of the Dr. Lorna Breen Act, which was initially passed during the COVID-19 pandemic to support healthcare workers’ mental health. The ENA representatives highlighted concerns about emergency nurses leaving the profession due to burnout and stress-related issues.
“Our members take great pride in being fierce advocates, particularly when it comes to protecting health care workers from violence on the job and ensuring there are resources available for those coping with job-related stress and burnout,” Oglesby said.
The advocacy day is part of the ENA’s ongoing efforts to influence healthcare policy. Founded in 1970, the organization represents nearly 45,000 members worldwide and focuses on emergency nursing practice, education, advocacy and leadership.
