Healthcare violence escalation highlights the necessity of reform in hospital safety measures
In a shocking incident that has highlighted the need for stronger protections for frontline healthcare workers, a registered nurse named Ehren Strohm was assaulted at Clifton Springs Hospital. The exact date of the incident remains unknown, but the perpetrator, Alyna Ann Lindenau, was later charged with second-degree assault.
Ehren Strohm, who has been working at Clifton Springs Hospital for the last two years and is a registered nurse since 2019, emphasizes the need for stricter measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. "I will not be silent or live in fear of this individual. I will continue to fight for her to be held accountable for her actions," Strohm stated.
Lindenau, who has a history of violence against healthcare workers and active warrants, was initially taken to the hospital for evaluation after being found in possession of illegal drugs. However, she later assaulted nurse Strohm, causing physical injury, including a bent knee, and halting her clinical training.
The incident has brought forth a proposal for the "Pretrial Risk Overview for Threat Evaluation, Custody, and Treatment Act" (PROTECT Act), led by US Representative Yvette Clarke. Under this bill, judges would be prohibited from releasing defendants until a risk assessment is reviewed.
The risk assessment tool evaluates factors such as the nature of charges, prior criminal history, known access to weapons, gang or criminal enterprise ties, past threats or intimidation of witnesses, residency, and community ties. This comprehensive evaluation aims to help the courts make informed decisions about the defendants' release.
The PROTECT Act is not the only initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of healthcare workers. The "Pretrial Risk Overview for Threat Evaluation, Custody, and Treatment Act" (PROTECT Act), led by Sen. Pam Helming, proposes requiring courts to use a statewide risk assessment instrument for defendants charged with felonies or Class A misdemeanors.
The issue of workplace violence in healthcare settings is not isolated to this incident. Nationally, healthcare workers are five times more likely than other occupations to be assaulted on the job, and they account for 73% of all nonfatal violent workplace injuries, according to the American College of Surgeons. A 2024 national survey by the HIPAA Journal revealed that approximately 82% of nurses experienced workplace violence in the previous year, and nearly half reported an increase in violence.
Hospitals spent $18.27 billion in 2023 addressing workplace violence, according to the American Hospital Association. These statistics underscore the urgent need for measures like the PROTECT Act to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and promote a safe environment for patients.
Lindenau, who was arrested for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on August 18 and assaulted nurse Strohm, is expected to appear in Clifton Springs Town Court at a later date. The hope is that with initiatives like the PROTECT Act, incidents like these can become a thing of the past.
