Oregon’s New Workplace Violence Prevention Law for Healthcare Workers: What Employers Need to Know

Workplace violence has become an increasing concern in healthcare settings across the country, and Oregon is taking decisive action to address the issue. In July 2025, Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 537 (SB 537) into law, creating new obligations for healthcare employers to prevent, track, and respond to workplace violence. Oregon's Workplace Violence Prevention Law for Healthcare Workers takes effect on January 1, 2026, and represents a significant shift in how healthcare facilities must approach worker safety.

Table of Contents

• Expanded Definition of Workplace Violence

• Employees Covered Under the Law

• Prevention Plans and Safety Assessments

  • Incident Response and Employee Support

  • Training and Ongoing Education

  • Additional Safety and Privacy Measures

• A Safer Path Forward: Oregon's Workplace Violence Prevention Law for Healthcare Workers

Expanded Definition of Workplace Violence

One of the most notable aspects of SB 537 is its expanded definition of workplace violence. The law no longer limits protections to physical assaults. Instead, it recognizes threats, harassment, intimidation and other forms of non-physical abuse as forms of workplace violence. This broader scope ensures that healthcare workers are protected against the wide range of behaviors that can create unsafe or hostile environments.

Employers Covered Under the Law

The law applies to hospitals, home health agencies and hospice programs. By expanding its reach beyond traditional hospital settings, Oregon is acknowledging that healthcare employees in home-based and hospice care also face significant risks of violence in the course of their work. Employers in these sectors will now be required to implement prevention programs and meet the same standards as hospitals.

Prevention Plans and Safety Assessments

SB 537 requires healthcare employers to take a proactive approach by conducting workplace safety assessments. These reviews must evaluate patterns of workplace violence over the past five years, analyze root causes, and identify vulnerabilities. Employers must then develop and maintain a comprehensive violence prevention and response plan. The plan must be integrated into existing safety procedures and continuously updated to address emerging risks. This law requires employers to provide employees with a written copy of the workplace violence prevention and response plan within 30 days of hire

Incident Response and Employee Support

The new law also emphasizes how organizations respond after an incident. Employers will be required to investigate every incident of workplace violence, conduct post-incident interviews and provide appropriate support. This includes access to first aid, medical treatment and trauma counseling for employees who have been affected. By requiring structured response protocols, the law seeks to ensure employees are not left to cope alone after violent or threatening encounters.

Training and Ongoing Education

Training is a cornerstone of SB 537. Healthcare employers must provide annual training for employees and contracted security personnel. Training must cover recognition of workplace violence, de-escalation techniques, emergency response procedures and reporting protocols. New hires must complete training within 90 days, and temporary employees within 14 days. By requiring ongoing education, the law aims to ensure staff are well-prepared to identify risks and respond effectively.

 

Additional Safety and Privacy Measures

The law introduces several new security requirements designed to protect healthcare workers. Employee badges no longer need to display last names, except when required by federal rule or regulation. Any newly built or renovated hospitals must also implement safety measures such as bullet-resistant barriers or enclosures in emergency department intake areas. Additionally, facilities must adopt “flagging” systems to alert staff to patients with a history of violence, and home health providers must assess risks during client intake, including the presence of pets, weapons or other hazards.

 

A Safer Path Forward: Oregon's Workplace Violence Prevention Law for Healthcare Workers

Oregon’s new workplace violence prevention law is more than just another compliance requirement- it reflects a cultural shift in how healthcare safety is addressed. By broadening definitions, strengthening prevention measures and ensuring accountability, SB 537 aims to create safer workplaces for those on the frontlines of patient care. For healthcare employers, compliance will require investment and planning, but the result is a more secure and supportive environment for employees and patients alike.