The Joint Commission implemented new workplace violence prevention requirements for assisted living communities, nursing care centers and office-based surgical practices accreditation programs starting on July 1, 2025.

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that offers global accreditation programs for health care organizations, public health agencies, health ministries and others to improve the quality and safety of patient care.

These updates reflect a growing recognition of workplace violence as a serious occupational hazard in healthcare—and a commitment to creating safer environments for patients, staff, and visitors.

Why the Changes in Workplace Violence Prevention Standards Matter

This is the first time these facilities are required to have workplace violence prevention strategies in place for assisted living communities.  The Joint Commission has required Commission-accredited hospitals to have similar requirements in place since January 1, 2022.

Workplace violence statistics in healthcare are often underreported, with many incidents perceived as minor or routine. However, even low-level aggression can have lasting impacts on staff morale, patient care, and organizational culture.

• Healthcare and social service workers are 5 times more likely to suffer serious workplace violence injuries than workers in other industries.
• Nursing aides in long-term care facilities experience the highest rate of workplace attacks of any profession.
• Nearly 19% of all reported workplace assaults occur in nursing and residential care facilities, according to OSHA.
• A 2023 national survey found that 81.6% of nurses experienced at least one type of workplace violence in the past year, with nearly half reporting an increase over the previous year.
• In memory care settings, 15% of assisted living residents in New York experienced aggression from fellow residents in just one month.

These numbers highlight the urgent need for structured prevention strategies.

Key Requirements of the New Workplace Violence Prevention Standards at a Glance

The requirements include defining workplace violence, developing policies and procedures to prevent workplace violence and implementing post-incident strategies. The Joint Commission’s updated standards aim to provide a structured framework for prevention, response, and continuous improvement.

The revised standards include:

• Formal Definition: Workplace violence is now clearly defined in the Joint Commission’s Glossary.
• Worksite Analysis: Organizations must conduct proactive assessments of their environments to identify and mitigate risks.
• Leadership Oversight: Senior leaders are expected to take an active role in violence prevention strategies.
• Policies and Procedures: Clear protocols must be in place to prevent, respond to, and report incidents.
• Reporting and Data Analysis: Systems for tracking and analyzing incidents are required to inform ongoing improvements.
• Post-Incident Strategies: Support and follow-up for affected individuals and teams are emphasized.
• Training and Education: Staff must receive role-specific training on recognizing, preventing, and responding to workplace violence.

Who Is Affected?

These Joint Commission requirements apply to:

• Assisted Living Communities
• Nursing Care Centers
• Office-Based Surgery Practices

They align with similar updates already in place for behavioral health care, critical access hospitals, home care organizations, and general hospitals.

Mobile Panic Buttons and Alarm Systems

Senior living communities across the country are investing in staff safety solutions to help mitigate workplace violence as it continues to rise. Facilities are developing programs to address it and installing staff duress systems like Help Alert as a vital resource for early intervention.

Equipping staff with personal panic alarm devices, such as Help Alert®, can significantly enhance workplace safety. Help Alert is a wearable ID badge with a discreet panic button, which instantly alerts on-site security, providing the exact location of the employee in distress. This rapid response can interrupt an attack or reduce its severity. Senior living facilities would benefit from incorporating silent duress alarm technology into their safety protocols. These systems not only support staff with faster intervention they also generate robust reports that help leadership identify patterns and opportunities to improve safety protocols. According to industry guidelines, panic buttons and staff communication tools should be accessible throughout the facility, enabling any employee to discreetly request help at the first sign of danger. By incorporating solutions like our Help Alert staff panic buttons into daily operations, senior living communities can foster a culture of safety, confidence, and care.

Schedule a demo of Help Alert.

Looking Ahead

Senior living organizations are preparing now by reviewing the Prepublication Standards and assessing current policies and training programs. Proactive compliance not only meets accreditation requirements, but it also fosters a culture of safety. Our Senior Living experts are scheduling demos today to showcase how Help Alert can add value to your team’s safety programs.