SB1435:
Everything You Need to Know
A guide to Illinois’s legislation regarding panic buttons for hospital employees.
What Is SB1435?
SB1435 is a legislative proposal in Illinois aimed at requiring hospitals to provide all employees with wearable panic buttons, typically integrated into their staff ID badges. The goal is to ensure discreet, fast access to emergency help for workers facing threats, harassment, or violence on the job.
What Is a Wearable Panic Button?
A wearable panic button is a small, discreet device that allows hospital workers to instantly signal for help in dangerous or threatening situations. Typically integrated into or attached to an employee’s ID badge, the button sends an immediate alert to security or emergency responders—without drawing attention to the user.
*Example of a discreet and wearable panic button.
Why Was SB1435 Introduced?
According to multiple studies, workplace assaults in healthcare settings have increased significantly. The bill was introduced to address the growing concern about rising workplace violence in healthcare settings and seeks to provide a uniform safety standard across all licensed hospitals.
SB1435 was introduced to ensure protection for every hospital worker, not just clinical staff, by giving them a simple, silent way to summon help the moment they feel unsafe.
Who Does SB1435 Affect?
All Employees
All Hospitals
Public and private institutions licensed in the state of Illinois.
Ready to Empower Your Staff?
What Are the Bill’s Requirements?
If passed, SB1435 will mandate hospitals to:
*The legislation does not specify a particular technology, but it does emphasize functionality and reliability.
Is SB1435 in Effect Yet?
Not yet. As of now, SB1435 is still under review in the Illinois legislative process. It has not yet been signed into law, but it is gaining support from safety advocates, hospital workers, and labor unions.
What Hospitals Should Do Now
Proactive hospitals are starting to prepare. Here’s how:
- Assess current security tools to see if they meet the requirements.
- Research panic button vendors with proven experience in healthcare.
- Develop training protocols so staff know how to use the devices discreetly and appropriately.
- Revise internal policies to align with SB1435's expected standards and emergency procedures.
What You Can Do
Hospital Employees:
Safety Advocates:
Hospital Executives:
Choosing the Right Panic Button System
SB1435 gives hospitals flexibility to choose the system that best fits their needs. When vetting solutions, consider:
Badge Integration
Badge Integration
Badge Integration
Badge Integration
Badge Integration
Badge Integration
Why Many Hospitals Choose Pinpoint
Pinpoint is a leading solution favored by hospitals because:
It’s wearable and ID-compatible
Activates discreetly
Shares location only during emergencies
Avoids permanent tracking
Already used in hospitals nationwide
Reliable in complex healthcare environments
Key Takeaways
While SB1435 hasn’t been enacted yet, its goals reflect a major shift in hospital safety culture. Institutions that get ahead of this mandate will not only stay compliant but also demonstrate leadership in employee safety.
If you’re a hospital stakeholder, the time to start planning is now.
Meet with a healthcare safety specialist
Interested in learning how Pinpoint can help your hospital prepare for SB1435 and strengthen your safety culture?
