Creating a safe workplace for health care professionals has never been more important. Throughout the spring of 2026, we have highlighted many of the tools, training opportunities, videos, templates, and resources available through The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) Workplace Safety Webpage. If you have not visited recently, now is a great time to take another look.
Understanding the Regulatory Landscape
Health care organizations today must be aware of several key workplace violence prevention expectations and requirements.
South Dakota House Bill 1293 strengthened protections for health care workers by increasing penalties for assaults committed against health care facility personnel while engaged in patient care duties. The law reflects the state’s recognition that violence against health care workers is unacceptable and that health care professionals deserve additional protections while caring for patients.
At the federal level, OSHA continues to identify workplace violence as a significant occupational hazard for health care workers. OSHA defines workplace violence as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior occurring in the workplace. Health care organizations are encouraged to implement comprehensive prevention programs that include staff training, incident reporting, risk assessments, and ongoing evaluation of workplace safety practices.
In addition, The Joint Commission (TJC) has established workplace violence prevention standards for accredited health care organizations. These standards emphasize leadership commitment, data collection and analysis, staff education, reporting processes, and continuous improvement efforts aimed at reducing workplace violence risks.
Articles you may have missed.
- March 2026 – Explore SDAHO’s Workplace Safety Tools & Upcoming Training
- May 2026 – Workplace safety training opportunities available through SDAHO
- June 2026 – Workplace Safety: learn more through SDAHO’s micro learning video series
Whether your organization is just beginning to strengthen its workplace violence prevention efforts or is looking to enhance an existing program, the webpage offers practical resources that can be adapted to facilities of all sizes and care settings.
A Continued Commitment to Safety
Health care professionals dedicate their careers to caring for others. Ensuring their safety must remain a shared priority across the health care continuum.
SDAHO remains committed to providing members with timely information, practical tools, and educational opportunities that support safer workplaces for employees, patients, residents, and visitors alike.
If you have not yet explored the Workplace Violence Prevention webpage, we encourage you to visit sdaho.org/wpv and discover the many resources available to support your organization’s workplace safety efforts.
