I am a nurse, writing this heartbreaking story about Leela, a fellow nurse from Palms West Hospital. On February 18, 2025, she was brutally attacked by a patient twice her size, resulting in grave injuries and landing her in the ICU. This incident, among others, underscores the escalating threats nurses face in their line of duty. It is a chilling reminder of the dire need for a comprehensive bill to protect nursing professionals.

There is no overstating the gravity of this issue. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that healthcare facilities, where nurses predominantly work, experience significantly higher rates of workplace violence compared to other industries.

It is high time we request our national legislators to formulate Leela's Law, named in honor of our fellow nurse. She will symbolize a broader movement towards combatting aggression against healthcare professionals, many of whom are constant victims of physical and verbal assault.

This law aims at enforcing stringent measures to tackle violence in healthcare facilities, creating an environment where dedicated individuals like us can work at ease, without fearing for personal safety. By signing this petition, we're not just supporting Leela; we're standing up for all healthcare professionals who put their lives at risk daily while providing life-saving care. This law will provide that any one committing violence against a healthcare worker  will be charged with a Felony.

Stand with the nurses. Support Leela's Law. Sign this petition.