In 2026, states like Kentucky and Missouri passed laws requiring hospitals to prevent violence against staff, amid rising assaults and growing federal guidance.

In March 2026, rising hospital violence prompted increased state-level action, with Kentucky and Missouri advancing laws requiring violence prevention plans, annual staff training, reporting systems, and stronger penalties for assaults on health care workers. At least 20 states now mandate such measures, as federal standards remain absent. The FBI released new guidance urging hospitals to form threat assessment teams, train staff to recognize warning signs, and build law enforcement partnerships to prevent violence. These efforts reflect a national shift toward proactive safety measures in health care settings.