Everett city council approves new law to deter hospital visitors from making threats
The Everett City Council approved a new law that will make it a gross misdemeanor for anyone to interfere or disrupt the functions at any medical facility in the city.
That includes disturbing the peace or trespassing on medical center property.
Everett has seen an increase in problems at its hospitals and medical clinics due to homelessness, drugs and mental health problems on its streets.
In recent testimony to the city council, prosecutors cited examples of gangs who have engaged in disruptive behavior when a member has been brought to a hospital for treatment.
At Providence Medical Center, the third-largest hospital in Washington, metal detectors are used to screen people coming into the emergency room. Staff is trained in de-escalation techniques for unruly visitors.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/everett-city-council-approves-new-law-to-deter-hospital-visitors-from-making-threats/ar-AAGbjLS