Police arrested a 54-year-old Florida hospital employee on March 7 after they found that he had firearms and ammunition in his possession on the facility’s campus. The employee was charged with introduction of a firearm or deadly weapon into a mental health facility, according to the county sheriff.
Law enforcement officials had initially gone to the hospital March 7 to serve the employee with an arrest warrant related to a different charge. The original warrant charged him with exposure of sexual organs after neighbors reported that he walked around the community naked.
Police encountered the employee sitting at his desk in front of an ER room. They asked him to speak with them outside, and when he went with them, the affidavit states he left what was described as a beige-colored tactical-style backpack sitting on his desk. The backpack contained two loaded Glock firearms, 10 full magazines, and three boxes of ammunition. The firearms were legally purchased in 2022 and 2023.
After his arrest, the employee posted a $15,000 bond and was released from custody on March 8. The sheriff’s office said that he agreed to a risk protection order and 22 firearms were removed from his home.
The hospital issued a statement saying that safety for patients, visitors, and caregivers is a top priority, and his employment has been terminated.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
F584 says that residents have a right to a safe environment. OSHA guidance states that employers must keep the workplace free of known health and safety hazards. Because many emergencies, including workplace violence and active shooter incidents, occur with little or no warning, it is critical to plan in advance and to practice response through drills.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures regarding someone bringing a gun onto the premises. Also review polices related to risk management and preventing workplace violence. Early intervention can prevent situations from escalating by identifying, assessing, and managing a threat.
- Ensure that all leadership staff are knowledgeable of OSHA’s guidelines and standards for a safe working environment. Staff should know that reporting any concerns is mandatory, and could save a life or prevent serious injury. Ensure staff know what to do if someone brings a gun onto the premises, even if it is not an active shooter situation. Hold mock drills that include participation of law enforcement and other first responders to assess the effectiveness and competence of staff in responding to emergency situations.
- Audit to see if staff know what to do if someone brings a gun onto the premises. Also audit to ensure that staff are trained and knowledgeable of your policies and procedures related to preventing workplace violence, and of their duty to report any concerns to their supervisor, the compliance officer, or via the anonymous hotline.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
