Oregon OSHA expands workplace violence rules to home health and hospice by 1/1/27
Oregon's new OSHA rule broadens coverage and definition of workplace violence for clinics, hospitals, home health agencies and hospice programs—requiring new prevention plans, training, and reporting.
On October 22, 2026, Oregon OSHA finalized OAR 437‑002‑0150, a workplace violence prevention rule that extends coverage beyond hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to home health agencies and home hospice programs. The rule redefines workplace violence to include threats, harassment and intimidation, not just physical assaults, and requires covered employers to create a written prevention plan, conduct regular training, execute investigative and reporting procedures, and maintain an incident log. Compliance also triggers updates to existing Discrimination Complaint and Recordkeeping rules, allowing employees to file discrimination complaints if they report violence. Although the rule is Oregon‑specific, it sets a potentially influential precedent for other states and may prompt healthcare employers nationwide to audit their own policies. Firms should advise clients on potential gaps, update risk assessments, and develop or modify prevention plans to align with the new scope. The updated rule comes into effect January 1, 2027; businesses will need to ensure timely implementation or face civil penalties.