Requires the use of metal detectors at all general hospital public entrances.
Summary
S09730 amends the Public Health Law to require every general hospital to include metal detectors at all public entrances as a minimum component of its workplace violence safety and security plan. The bill builds on the existing requirement that hospitals assess workplace violence risks and adopt security measures by specifying that metal detectors must be used at all public entrances, while still allowing hospitals to use additional measures such as training, staffing, barriers, alarms, lighting, communication systems, and other security improvements.
The bill also requires hospitals to provide employees and, where applicable, collective bargaining representatives with a written summary of the safety and security plan and information on how to report workplace violence incidents. Hospitals must share redacted incident-log summaries, trends, and data with the security or safety committee responsible for workplace violence so that the information can be used in the ongoing assessment process. The measure would take effect immediately, tied to the effective date of the 2025 law it amends.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would directly amend section 2832 of the Public Health Law governing workplace violence prevention in general hospitals. It would impose a new statewide minimum security standard by mandating metal detectors at all hospital public entrances, affecting hospital operators, employees, patients, visitors, and security personnel. The bill would likely require hospitals to purchase, install, and maintain screening equipment and adjust entry procedures and staffing to comply with the new requirement.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded roll-call sentiment to assess. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a workplace safety and security response aimed at reducing violence in hospitals, suggesting a protective and preventive policy rationale. Because no votes or hearing testimony are provided, overall legislative support or opposition cannot be determined from the supplied materials.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is the mandate that metal detectors be installed at all public entrances, which could raise concerns about cost, operational burden, patient access, wait times, and the effect on the hospital environment. Hospitals and potentially labor representatives may also scrutinize how the requirement interacts with existing security plans and whether less restrictive alternatives could achieve similar safety goals. Supporters would likely emphasize the need for stronger protections against workplace violence in healthcare settings and the uniformity of a statewide minimum standard.
Requires security at all publicly accessible entrances of general hospitals; requires every general hospital to have either one off-duty law enforcement officer or trained security personnel be present at all times at each publicly accessible entrance or have installed locking doors at each publicly accessible entrance; requires every general hospital to provide wearable employee panic buttons or alert devices capable of immediately notifying on-site security personnel or law enforcement in the event of a dangerous situation or emergency.
Requires general hospitals and nursing homes to offer free notarial services to patients; requires an employee of such general hospital or nursing home who is a notary public to be present from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on business days.
Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.
Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.
Requires hospitals to establish a violence prevention program which includes a workplace safety and security assessment and develop a safety and security plan that addresses identified workplace violence threats or hazards.
Requires hospitals to establish a violence prevention program which includes a workplace safety and security assessment and develop a safety and security plan that addresses identified workplace violence threats or hazards.