Sample Emergency Department Policy for Management of Caregiver Verbal or Physical Abuse

Resource Overview

• Provided as a sample policy outlining a zero-tolerance framework for caregiver violence in the ED.
• Defines workplace violence, response protocols, documentation standards, and exclusion processes.
• Includes a stepwise quick-reference algorithm (Appendix A).
• Provides a caregiver Behavioral Agreement template (Appendix B).
• Offers a pediatric-specific scripting guide for presenting behavioral expectations (Appendix C).
  

How to Use This Resource

• Adapt the policy to align with state law and hospital legal guidance.
• Integrate response steps into ED workplace violence prevention protocols.
• Use Appendix A for frontline staff quick-reference and training.
• Implement the Behavioral Agreement template when structured expectations are needed.
• Incorporate the pediatric scripting guide into staff education to preserve therapeutic alliance while maintaining safety.