Annual Security and Safety Assessments
Under California law, all licensed general acute-care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, and specialty hospitals are mandated to conduct an annual security and safety assessment. This assessment is crucial for developing a security plan aimed at safeguarding personnel, patients, and visitors against aggressive or violent behavior.

Key Elements of the Security Plan

The security plan must address the following elements:

• Physical Layout: The arrangement of the hospital space to enhance security
• Staffing: Allocation of staff to maintain a secure environment
• Security Personnel: Availability of trained security staff
• Policies and Training: Implementation of policies and training for responding to violent incidents
• Local Law Enforcement Cooperation: Collaboration with local authorities to handle violent acts within the facility

Guidelines and Standards

In formulating the security plan, hospitals must consider violence-related guidelines issued by:

• California Department of Public Health
• Division of Occupational Safety and Health
• Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Security Policies and Personnel Training

The security plan should incorporate policies for:

• Personnel training to prevent and manage violent behavior
• Consulting with affected employees, bargaining agents, and medical staff through hospital committees

Committee Responsibilities

The committee tasked with developing the security plan should be knowledgeable about:

• The role of security in hospital operations
• Hospital organization and safety measures
• Crime documentation and reporting protocols

Reporting Requirements

Incidents of assault resulting in injury or involving weapons must be reported to local law enforcement within 72 hours. Reporting parties are protected from civil or criminal liability, and interference with the reporting process is punishable by law.

Education for Emergency Department Staff

Hospital employees and health care workers in the emergency department must receive training on:

• Safety measures and aggression management
• Techniques to de-escalate violent behavior
• Use of restraints and chemical interventions
• Support resources for post-incident coping

Compliance with Health and Safety Codes

Hospitals should review Sections 1257.7 and 1257.8 of the Health and Safety Code to ensure adherence to these mandates.

View CHA’s memo:

• Memo on Safety and Security Assessment, Planning and Training Requirements