OSHA Cites Jacksonville Psychiatric Facility for Safety Violation Following Attack

OSHA Cites Jacksonville Psychiatric Facility for Safety Violation Following Attack

The incident is the latest of three similar investigations involving the same parent company.

A registered nurse in Jacksonville was allegedly punched and kicked in the face by a patient at River Point Behavioral Health in January 2023. An OSHA investigation followed, and now the organization has revealed its findings regarding the psychiatric treatment facility.

In a release dated July 25, OSHA announced issuance of a citation for a serious violation to UHS of Delaware Inc. and TBJ Behavioral Center LLC, parent companies of River Point Behavioral Health. OSHA investigators determined the facility—specializing in mental health, substance use and dual diagnosis services—failed to protect workers from serious physical harm. In this case, the employee’s injuries included a loss of conscious and lacerations.

“Workplace violence is a growing concern for healthcare workers and industry employers must take all possible steps to prevent or abate recognized hazards,” OSHA Area Office Director Scott Tisdale in Jacksonville, Florida, said in a statement. “No one should go to work daily fearing for their lives and physical well-being.”

River Point Behavioral Health now faces $15,625 in proposed penalties.

This decision is the latest of three similar investigations since 2017 involving Florida-based facilities affiliated with UHS of Delaware Inc. All three involved employees’ exposure to extreme violence in the workplace. UHS has 400 acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and ambulatory centers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the UK.

River Point Behavioral Health now has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest its findings.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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