Healthcare Workers Better Supported Under Ortitay, Mehaffie Bill

June 2, 2026

HARRISBURG - Legislation introduced by Reps. Jason Ortitay (R-Allegheny/Washington) and Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) to support healthcare workers facing safety and security issues passed the House Health Committee today in a bipartisan manner.

House Bill 2341 would create a Hospital Security Grant Fund. It would allow not-for-profit hospitals with documented security needs to apply for up to $150,000 in grants annually to be used for a threat assessment or other protective upgrades from metal detectors to trauma kits. The grant program would be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

"Sadly, doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff are facing more and more threats and issues within the workplace. We crafted this legislation to hopefully keep these professionals safe and lessen the stressors that contribute to employee burnout," Ortitay said.

Mehaffie said the lawmakers talked about the potential grant program in depth after the Feb. 22, 2025, mass shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County.

"Staff should be able to better focus on patient care rather than vitriol, physical attacks and fear. None of these passionate, talented workers joined the industry with an expectation they would be unsafe," he said.

The bill received bipartisan support through co-sponsorship and goes to the full House for its consideration.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
[email protected]
RepOrtitay.com / Facebook.com/RepOrtitay

Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie III
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
[email protected]
RepMehaffie.com / Facebook.com/RepMehaffie