The International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) today announces Guideline 08.03: Civil Disturbance, reinforcing the healthcare security profession’s commitment to safety, resilience, and continuity of care during periods of unrest.
As part of IAHSS’s ongoing work to advance best practices in healthcare security and safety, Guideline 08.03 provides a clear framework for planning and operational decision‑making when civil disturbances arise in communities served by healthcare organizations. The guideline emphasizes readiness, coordinated response, and mitigation strategies to protect patients, staff, visitors and the delivery of essential services.
The guideline opens with a statement that:
Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) should establish a process to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the potential impact of civil unrest during situations like protests, riots, violent incidents and other disruptions, prioritizing the continuous delivery of high-quality care and safeguarding the well-being of everyone within the facility and surrounding campus during a civil disturbance.
Dean R. Sobcoviak, CPP, CHPA, Vice President – Chief Protective Services Officer, Sutter Health and Council on Guidelines member states:
Preparedness and collaboration are essential in maintaining safety and continuity of care during times of civil unrest. Guideline 08.03 provides a critical roadmap for healthcare organizations to protect patients, staff, and visitors while ensuring that vital services remain uninterrupted.
IAHSS encourages healthcare leaders, security professionals, and emergency management teams to integrate Guideline 08.03 into their emergency operations plans, conduct regular training and exercises, and strengthen collaboration with local law enforcement and community partners to ensure safe, effective operations during disruptive events.
