May 3, 2023- On Tuesday, Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 383, the Safer Hospitals Act, into law. This law establishes enhanced punishments for the assault and battery of healthcare professionals on the job and allows hospitals to create their own police forces, similar to campus police forces for colleges and universities.

GNA Director of Legislation and Public Policy Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Bolton-Harris was present at the signing ceremony and shared her thoughts on the new law with CBS News.

“I've been in the healthcare field since '97, and I've experienced it [violence]. When you have people, especially in emergency departments, on the floors being verbally assaulted, being physically assaulted, it's not right,” said Dr. Bolton-Harris.

The establishment of this new law is critical for nurses and healthcare workers in general. It is an important step towards ensuring that nurses are able to practice free of the threat of violence- a priority in the GNA 2023 - 2024 Legislative Platform.

A special thank you to Representative Matt Reeves (R- Duluth), who sponsored the legislation.

The new law was one on a list of 12 healthcare related bills signed by Governor Kemp on Tuesday.

About the Georgia Nurses Association

Established in 1907, the Georgia Nurses Association is the largest professional association for registered nurses in the State of Georgia.

Our Mission: Equitable care for all Georgians through the unified power of Nurses.

Our Vision: Inspire and empower Georgia's Nurses to lead innovative change and improve health.

Our Values: GNA L.E.A.D.S. through: Leadership / Excellence / Advocacy / Diversity / Service