Is Your Workplace Violence Prevention Program Ready for the Joint Commission?

There have been many changes in the world of healthcare violence prevention since the ASIS Healthcare Council published its white paper on healthcare violence entitled, “Managing Disruptive Behavior and Workplace Violence in Healthcare.” Published in 2011 this document, still useful today, is a great resource, when developing a violence prevention program. In 2015 OHSA updated its workplace violence documents which provides a more focused road map in the reduction of violence.  Since then organizations like the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety and the National Fire Prevention Association have publish their information and training related to workplace violence preventions. More recently, organizations like the American Hospital Association, the Emergency Nurses Association and the American College of Emergency Physicians, to name a few, have published information on workplace violence prevention.

In June of this year the Joint Commission sent out a Prepublication Requirement for its 2022 standards which are changing Security, Human Resources and Leadership Elements of Performance to include the documentation, investigation, follow up and victim support related to workplace violence. For many hospitals it will be a monumental task meeting the new standards. For others that already have programs in place, kudos for being ahead of the curve. In my consulting role I have seen several hospitals that are hitting it out of the park. Produced best in class violence reduction programs. They have established proactive programs that incorporate violence response teams, have adopted specific polices and procedures, and include proactive workplace violence committees. These hospitals have instituted physical security measures like visitor management tracking systems, metal detector screening at key entry points, and improved the physical environment to restrict access while providing a welcoming and caring environment.

For those of you that are starting or upgrading your program to meet the Joint Commission new standards here are some free resources that are available in creating and upgrading a workplace violence prevention program.

1. OHSA Document – Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers.
2. OHSA Website of Workplace Violence: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/
3. CDC – NIOSH Publication –  Violence Occupational Hazards in Hospitals.
4. Emergency Nurses Association – Emergency Department Workplace Violence Tool Kit.
5. FBI –  Workplace Violence Issues in Response.
6. Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Recovery – In the Aftermath of Workplace Violence: Guidance for Supervisors.
7. CDC and NIOSH On-Line Training Course – Workplace Violence Prevention for Nurses.
8. Security Magazine – 10 Ways to Prevent Workplace Violence Escalation.
9. The Joint Commission.

However, the best way to learn about best practice in violence reduction is to speak to the professionals that are ahead of the curve and have programs already in place. Updating your network of professional contacts to include those individuals that have worked through the process and refined their programs. Attending conferences and networking is one of the best ways to accomplish that. Now that Covid is winding down we should all think about getting back out and networking in-person again. Our peers are the best way to learn about best in class programs.

Also, don’t forget to think about the possibility of an independent consultant to help create or upgrade your program. There are many healthcare specific consultants that can assist in providing facility wide risk assessments or helping to deal with specific workplace violence issues within behavioral health or the Emergency Department. Consider hiring a qualified consultant to conduct an assessment and provide recommendations for the reduction of violence through environmental and procedural upgrades.