The bill is designed to bolster security in California’s hospitals by requiring the installation of metal detectors at key points where weapons are known to enter facilities, including the main public entrance, as well as entrances to the Labor and Delivery and Emergency Departments.

Additionally, the bill requires that hospitals utilize trained security officers–rather than healthcare workers–to conduct searches of patients’ belongings for contraband.

Supporters of the bill say that these measures will be effective in reducing the potential for life-threatening workplace violence in hospitals, which has steadily increased in recent years.

AB2975 moves next to consideration in the CA State Senate, where we’ll advocate for it’s passage with the same enthusiasm and determination.

The California Hospital Association (CHA)—the hospital industry’s lobbying arm—submitted an opposition letter to AB2975 in an effort to persuade legislators to vote against this potentially life-saving legislation. CHA’s arguments against Secure Hospitals for All greatly mischaracterized the bill, but one thing is clear—while we are focused on protecting healthcare workers and patients, the hospital industry is focused on protecting its bottom line.