NC H809

Each hospital licensed in North Carolina with an emergency department must conduct a security risk assessment and implement a security plan ensuring at least one law enforcement officer is present in the emergency department or on the same campus at all times, unless exempted by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Security plans must include training for law enforcement officers on trauma-informed approaches to mental health crises and substance use disorder, training on weapons use, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention, and safety protocols based on nationally recognized healthcare security standards.

Hospitals may request an exemption from the law enforcement officer requirement if a security risk assessment determines a different level of security is necessary and appropriate, but must provide alternative workplace violence prevention training and resources to staff.

The Administrative Office of the Courts must report annually by September 1 on persons charged and convicted of hospital assault crimes, and the Department of Health and Human Services must collect data on assaults, behavioral health incidents resulting in violence, and workplace violence incidences at hospitals.

The Department must report compiled data and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services annually by December 1, with the law taking effect October 1, 2024, and first reports due September 1, 2025.