SAFE Hospitals Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:05 PMSummary of Bill S 407
The SAFE Hospitals Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 407, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve safety and security measures in hospitals across the country.One key provision of the SAFE Hospitals Act is the requirement for all hospitals to implement comprehensive safety protocols to protect both patients and staff. This includes measures such as increased security personnel, improved training for staff on handling violent situations, and the installation of security cameras in key areas of the hospital.
Additionally, the bill aims to address the issue of workplace violence in hospitals by mandating reporting and tracking of incidents, as well as providing support services for victims. This is in response to the growing concern over the high rates of violence experienced by healthcare workers in hospital settings. Furthermore, the SAFE Hospitals Act includes provisions for increased funding for mental health services in hospitals, as well as resources for de-escalation training for staff. This is intended to help prevent violent incidents before they occur and provide support for those who may be experiencing mental health crises. Overall, the SAFE Hospitals Act of 2023 seeks to create a safer and more secure environment for both patients and healthcare workers in hospitals across the United States. By implementing comprehensive safety measures, addressing workplace violence, and providing support services, this bill aims to improve the overall quality of care and safety in healthcare settings.
Congressional Summary of S 407
State Accountability, Flexibility, and Equity for Hospitals Act of 2023 or the SAFE Hospitals Act of 2023
This bill alters Medicaid requirements relating to payment for inpatient hospital services that are provided by disproportionate share hospitals (DSHs). (DSHs are hospitals that receive additional payment under Medicaid for treating a large share of low-income patients.)
Among other changes, the bill requires state Medicaid programs to adopt a payment methodology that meets certain criteria, including by prioritizing payments based on the DSH tier for which the hospital qualifies; tiers are determined based on factors such as the hospital's Medicaid inpatient utilization rate.
The bill also incorporates state poverty ratios (i.e., the number of qualifying low-income individuals in a state compared to all states) into the formula for determining state DSH allotments under Medicaid. The bill phases in application of the revised formula over the course of 10 to 15 years.
