AAPA Signs Joint Statement on Workplace Violence in Healthcare

AAPA Signs Joint Statement on Workplace Violence in Healthcare

April 16, 2026

AAPA is one of 10 healthcare organizations issuing a joint statement in honor of April being Workplace Violence Prevention Month. In the statement, the organizations affirm a commitment to raising awareness, taking action, and working as partners to protect the safety of all healthcare workers and patients. View the statement and participating organizations here.

Joint Statement on Workplace Violence in Healthcare

This April, in recognition of Workplace Violence Prevention Month, our organizations are joining together to affirm that workplace violence in healthcare is not inevitable-it is preventable. Health care workers are the foundation of a safe and effective healthcare system, but every day they face an unacceptable reality: the risk of violence on the job. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has consistently shown that health care and social service workers experience workplace violence at higher rates than workers in any other sector, a troubling trend that only continues to persist and intensify. Workplace violence encompasses any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening, disruptive behavior occurring in the workplace. In healthcare settings, it affects nurses, physicians, technicians, pharmacists, support staff, patients, and families alike. These acts of aggression - whether verbal or physical- are entirely unacceptable.

As national organizations representing the full spectrum of health care delivery, including hospital systems, clinicians, patients, and advocates, we stand united in our belief that no one should be harmed while providing or receiving care. Workplace violence erodes the safety and dignity of health care environments, directly contributes to workforce burnout and turnover, and compromises the quality of care for patients. This violence undermines our health care system's ability to provide safe, healing environments for all.

We are committed to raising awareness, driving meaningful action, and working collaboratively across our fields to build healthcare environments where every worker is protected and every patient is safe

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Media Contact: Jenni Roberson, 703.380.2764

About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.