Workplace violence in healthcare settings continues to rise across the United States, driving increased legislative attention at both the state and federal levels. While several states are exploring policies around hospital security, one stands out for taking the most comprehensive action to date.
California Sets the Standard
AB 2975 establishes California as the national leader in hospital weapons screening legislation. The law requires general acute care, psychiatric, and special hospitals to implement weapons detection screening at designated public access points, including main entrances, emergency departments, and labor and delivery areas where applicable.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is responsible for finalizing the standard by March 2027, after which hospitals will have a defined compliance window to deploy systems and operational procedures. Meaning that while the clock is ticking, the law is not yet fully implemented statewide, and those affected by the law still have time to prepare ahead of the deadline, with many hospitals already evaluating and piloting screening technologies in preparation for compliance.
What the Law Requires
AB 2975 outlines a structured approach to hospital weapons screening built around three key components:
1. Advanced Detection Technology
Hospitals must deploy weapons detection systems capable of identifying potential threats at designated entry points. Solutions from providers such as Evolv Technology and CEIA are commonly referenced as examples of systems that align with these requirements.
2. Trained Security Personnel
Screening checkpoints must be staffed by trained personnel, such as public safety officers or security staff, responsible for monitoring, secondary screening, and incident response.
3. Clear Public Signage
Hospitals are required to provide visible signage at screening locations to notify patients and visitors of weapons detection procedures, ensuring transparency and compliance.
How Other States Are Approaching Hospital Security
While California has enacted the most comprehensive statewide mandate, most other states are still addressing hospital workplace violence through proposals, guidance, or incentive-based programs rather than formal weapons detection requirements.
States such as New York and Michigan are actively discussing healthcare facility security at the legislative and regulatory level, but have not implemented a statewide mandate requiring weapons detection systems in hospitals. Meanwhile, Texas and Florida have focused on workplace violence prevention frameworks that emphasize funding, best-practice guidance, and legal protections for healthcare facilities. These approaches support broader security improvements and allow hospitals to adopt screening technologies based on individual risk profiles, operational needs, and available resources rather than regulatory obligation.
Why This Trend Is Accelerating
The momentum behind hospital weapons screening legislation is driven by a measurable increase in workplace violence incidents affecting healthcare workers. In response, policymakers are prioritizing proactive security measures that balance safety with operational efficiency and patient experience.
As a result, hospitals are increasingly evaluating technologies and procedures that can be scaled, standardized, and integrated into existing access control strategies.
The Bottom Line
California’s AB 2975 sets a clear direction for the future of hospital security, even as full implementation remains on the horizon. Other states have yet to adopt comparable mandates, but legislative interest continues to grow.
For healthcare systems, the takeaway is clear: weapons detection screening is transitioning from an optional security enhancement to a likely standard practice. Organizations that begin planning now will be better positioned to meet future regulatory requirements while improving safety for staff, patients, and visitors.
OPENGATE helps hospitals strengthen security by providing fast, non-invasive screening of patients, staff, and visitors at entrances, lobbies, and other high-traffic areas. Its lightweight, mobile design allows staff to deploy the system wherever it’s needed and easily relocate it as security priorities change. With real-time detection and unobtrusive operation, OPENGATE reduces the risk of prohibited items entering the facility while maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone.
RAD Light My Way helps hospitals keep patients, staff, and visitors safe by providing virtual security escorts, guiding movement through parking areas, and connecting users with live security personnel. Its AI-powered detection, alerts, and real-time monitoring enhance existing lighting and cameras to reduce risk and improve overall campus safety.
The PMD2 Plus metal detector helps hospitals detect concealed weapons while keeping entry points moving efficiently. Its advanced technology reduces false alarms from everyday items, limiting disruptions and unnecessary secondary screening. This allows security teams to respond quickly and maintain a safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
Together, we can create a comprehensive hospital security system that integrates seamlessly with your existing infrastructure while protecting patients, staff, and visitors when safety matters most.
Contact us today to start building a safer, more secure healthcare environment.