A workplace violence reporting bill developed by the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians (ICEP) was signed into law on June 26, marking a major victory in the chapter’s multi-year advocacy campaign.
SB 2713 requires reporting of violence against emergency department employees and strengthens protections for those who speak up. The law is effective November 2027.
“We will continue to advocate for better data collection and accountability so we can understand the scope of violence in our emergency departments and address it with evidence-based interventions.
Passing this law is an important step, but ICEP’s work is not over. Through continued advocacy, participation in a Governor’s task force, and support for the law’s implementation, we will help create safer environments for all healthcare workers.”
— ICEP President Kristen Donaldson, MD, MPH, FACEP
ICEP helped get the bill introduced in 2024 and built a coalition of medical organizations to address the growing threat of violence in Illinois emergency departments.
In May 2026, ICEP and the Illinois Emergency Nurses Association convened physicians, nurses, hospital leaders, lawmakers, and law enforcement for a Workplace Violence Summit focused on education, advocacy, and collaboration for a safer healthcare workplace.
The event featured panel discussions, a video message from SB 2173 sponsor Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison, and CME-accredited presentations from Dr. Donaldson and ICEP Board Member Halleh Akbarnia, MD, FACEP.
SB 2173 cleared the House the following day. That is the power of physician advocacy.
Illinois is the latest in a series of states – including New York, Utah, and Virginia – creating safer emergency departments as a direct result of ACEP chapter advocacy.
