We are excited to announce the launch of "A Leadership Guide for Preventing Targeted Violence in Health Care Settings," a resource created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and American Hospital Association with contributions by University of Nebraska Public Policy Center's Dr. Mario Scalora, along with other experts in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, Health Care, and related fields.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by health care organizations, this guide, co-developed by the AHA and the FBI BAU-1, provides practical, evidence-based tools and strategies to enhance security measures and threat management protocols. It includes templates, models and references for hospitals and health systems to use in establishing their own behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) teams. These multidisciplinary teams are critical for proactively identifying and mitigating potential threats before they escalate into acts of violence. In addition, it offers guidance on how to involve local law enforcement and the FBI in hospital-based BTAM efforts.
These collaborations are essential for a unified approach to threat assessment and violence prevention, leveraging the expertise and resources of both health care and law enforcement professionals. By fostering strong partnerships and communication channels, health care facilities can ensure a coordinated and effective response to any threats that may arise. The guide provides direction on critical training and education for all health care team members, equipping them with the knowledge needed to recognize warning signs of violence and how to respond appropriately. It also highlights best practices for maintaining a culture of safety and vigilance within health care environments and promoting continuous improvement and resilience in the face of evolving threats.
See the leadership guide