State Representative Matt Reeves | Reeves for House, Facebook
State Representative Matt Reeves | Reeves for House, Facebook
State Representative Matt Reeves has been named the Georgia Nurses Association Legislator of the Year for his sponsorship of the "Safer Hospitals Act." The award was presented during the association's meeting at the University of Georgia. The act, which became law in April, includes provisions that grant hospital guards arrest powers on hospital campuses and allow certified security personnel to carry firearms.
In the press release by the Georgia General Assembly, Rep. Reeves was quoted as stating: "Georgia nurses got us through the pandemic and save lives every day. Nurses should feel safe while they care for us at the hospital. I am honored to fight for Georgia’s nurses."
According to the Assembly's press release, The "Safer Hospitals Act" grants arrest powers to hospital guards on hospital campuses and permits certified hospital security personnel authorized by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) to carry firearms. Additionally, House Bill 383 introduces stricter penalties for individuals who commit aggravated assault against healthcare workers or emergency personnel within a hospital campus. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kemp earlier this year.
The recognition of Rep. Reeves comes at a time when the safety of healthcare workers is a growing concern. According to government data reported by PBS, healthcare workers face a fivefold higher risk of workplace violence compared to other professions. In 2018, they represented 73% of non-fatal injuries from violence.
In addition to his work on the "Safer Hospitals Act," Rep. Reeves holds key roles in the Georgia General Assembly. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Secretary of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee. He is also a member of the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee. Elected in 2022, Rep. Reeves represents District 99 in Gwinnett County.
The Assembly's press release goes onto say that Rep. Reeves will host a town hall meeting on November 2, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Atlanta Onnuri Korean Church in Sugar Hill, Georgia, to discuss the "Safer Hospitals Act" and other legislative matters.
The Georgia Nurses Association's recognition of Rep. Reeves as Legislator of the Year underscores the importance of prioritizing the safety of healthcare workers and the significant impact of the "Safer Hospitals Act" in achieving this goal.
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