Keeping Healthcare Safe: Best Practices for Hospital Security Systems

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are viewed as some of the safest places to be: they are where people go for healing and care. However, they are not exempt from violence. Because they are a highly emotional environment, situations can escalate quickly, ranging from split reactions to retaliation over bad outcomes. 

Robust and carefully implemented hospital security systems can protect patients, staff, and visitors from threats. These systems address the unique challenges of the healthcare industry, combining technology and human oversight to keep everyone safe. This article covers the top features and components of modern hospital security systems.

Key Takeaways

• Hospital security systems are needed to protect patients and staff from growing threats, with AI technology to enhance safety.
• Modern hospital security includes access control systems, advanced video surveillance, and emergency response protocols that work together for security management. Video security and access control in healthcare facilities secure every area and improve operational efficiency.
• HIPAA and privacy compliance are key, so that security measures protect patient data and implement strict access controls.

The Case for Hospital Security Systems

\The stakes are high in hospitals. Doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other hospital staff work tirelessly to ensure the best outcomes possible, but health can be unpredictable… and so can people. 

Those who work in healthcare have up to a 5 times higher risk of workplace injury than workers in other fields, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 91% of surveyed emergency physicians reported either having personally been victimized by violence at work or knowing someone else who has. Additionally, a fourth of nurses have been physically assaulted while on the job.

But violence isn’t limited to staff. Healthcare shootings have become increasingly common over the past few decades, resulting in the often indiscriminate killing and injuring of many. 

Shootings In the Healthcare Workplace

In 2017, a disgruntled doctor and former employee at a New York hospital attacked the facility, killing one and wounding six. In 2022, a former patient, seeking vengeance against the surgeon who previously operated on him, and whom he believed was the cause of his back pain, opened fire on the surgeon’s office, killing four. In 2023, a gunman killed one and injured four others at a medical center in Atlanta after being refused a mental health medication. Just this year, a Pennsylvania hospital experienced an incident in which a man, grieving the death of a loved one who had been a patient, entered the ICU and held staff hostage. 

To learn more, read our article about hospital shootings.

The Unique Security Vulnerabilities in Hospitals

Hospitals are often targets for violence because they are filled with society’s most vulnerable populations. They are often places where emotions are at their highest, with both families and staff having to face life-or-death situations. This stress can lead to irrational thinking and people making choices they usually wouldn’t. Additionally, healthcare centers carry many controlled substances and drugs that may be sought after by those desperate for a solution or struggling with addiction. When these substances are denied, people can react negatively.

Hospitals are often very large, sometimes even made up of multiple buildings. This can create blind spots and security limitations. CCTV is typically used to monitor public spaces, but because the number required to adequately cover the campus is high, security personnel may find it difficult to monitor multiple camera screens simultaneously.

The cost of this violence is estimated to be a staggering $18.27 billion, with over $14.6 billion going specifically towards post-incident costs. With more time, money, and energy invested in prevention and security, hospital safety can be improved.

Hospital Security Systems Filling the Gap

Hospital security systems are the foundation of safety protocols in healthcare facilities. These systems are designed to protect staff, patients, and visitors from all sorts of threats, ranging from violent disruptions to unauthorized access. The 63% increase in violent hospital incidents from 2011 to 2018 is a clear indication that healthcare facilities need comprehensive security measures.

Hospitals are open and welcoming environments essential for community care and healing, but they are also vulnerable to security breaches. Balancing that openness with security solutions is a challenging but necessary task. Customized security solutions are necessary for medical facilities to address their unique security needs and protect everyone and everything in them. 

Key Components of a Modern Hospital Security System

A modern hospital security system is made up of several key components that work together to create a safe environment. These include:

• Access control systems
• Security cameras
• Alarms
• Emergency Notification Systems (ENS) and Mass Notification Systems
• Trained Staff and a Security team
• Emergency Response Protocols

Access control systems manage facility entry and track staff movement. High-definition video surveillance systems with cloud storage and AI integration help to deter unwanted behavior and provide evidence in the event of a security incident. Alarm systems alert staff to intrusions and dangers, like fires or intrusions. Emergency Notification Systems (ENS) and Mass Notification Systems are essential for getting out information quickly and efficiently during emergencies. Some hospitals that are more at risk may also choose to have other measures, like metal detectors.

Security systems can be tailored to each hospital department, such as the ER, radiology, and labs, to meet each department’s unique requirements for safety and efficiency.

Access Control Systems in Healthcare Facilities

Access control is one of the main elements of physical security that all healthcare facilities should have; approximately 92% of hospitals do have some form of it. These systems, which involve technologies like key cards and biometrics, limit access to sensitive areas, allowing only authorized personnel to enter. 

In hospitals, departments like pharmacies, operating rooms, and ICUs must have advanced security to prevent unauthorized entry, manage controlled substances, and ensure infection control. Visitor management systems are also essential for tracking and controlling visitor access and upholding overall security.

Access control can also be extended into the digital realm with cybersecurity. Role-based access controls (RBAC) regulate who can access patient information. This helps to maintain the privacy of patients and can keep hospitals compliant with HIPAA privacy regulations.

Access control systems have benefits beyond security: They ensure that only qualified people get into critical areas and equipment. Door readers and intercoms add extra security at hospital entrances, another layer of control. All of this creates a safe and secure environment for patients and staff.

Advanced Video Surveillance Systems

Advanced video surveillance systems are the future of hospital security. All hospitals and healthcare facilities should be equipped with security cameras; they help personnel monitor the goings on around the hospital, provide footage that can be used during investigations, help to deter threats, and improve overall compliance. However, they can become a more proactive tool for preventing violence and improving patient and staff security when enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI).

Whereas the average surveillance camera requires human oversight to be an effective tool, something that can easily become overwhelming and cause fatigue, AI-enhanced cameras can proactively monitor and scan footage 24/7 for threats, like guns. Within seconds of a detection, the footage can be reviewed and confirmed by a person, who can then initiate an automated response, like locking doors and contacting law enforcement.

Quick detection and response are key in high-pressure situations to keep patients and staff safe. AI-enhanced camera systems provide an early warning that can save lives in healthcare facilities.

HIPAA and privacy regulations must be followed when installing video surveillance in hospitals. The following can ensure that patients’ privacy is respected:

• Cameras should be placed in places that respect patient and staff privacy.
• There should be clear signage to make the cameras’ presence known, and publicly available information on the use, storage, and access of footage recorded.
• Only authorized security personnel should have access to footage.
• Footage must be encrypted to prevent breaches or leaks.

Cameras should be placed both inside and outside of facilities. By monitoring the exterior of buildings, threats can be detected and addressed before they make their way inside. 

Alarm Systems and Mass/Emergency Notification Systems (ENS)

Beyond surveillance and physical security measures, there must be effective ways to communicate with staff, patients, and their families, fast. Visual, auditory, and silent alarms are all essential for getting information to the relevant people in situations like a fire or an active shooter.

Alarms alert staff to intrusions and dangers, enhance situational awareness, and improve workflows in a healthcare facility. Visual and auditory alarms, like those often used for fires, can be useful by pairing two sensory elements together, making them more accessible to a wider range of people. Silent alarms can also help notify relevant personnel during situations that require more discreet responses.

Tied in, emergency and mass notification systems are critical components of security systems. While mass notification systems are essential for streamlining communications regularly throughout the hospital or healthcare facility, they are especially useful during crises. ENS can be integrated into the security system to allow messages to be sent via multiple channels (e.g., SMS, email, app push, signage, etc.) and initiate security automation workflows, like locking doors or setting off alarms.

Security Plans and Emergency Response Protocols

Every hospital and healthcare facility should have a comprehensive plan that details all aspects of security and how they work together to ensure the facility’s security. A comprehensive security plan must address the unique challenges of each hospital and each department, especially in critical care areas, where vulnerable patients require extra protection. Security plans should include things like: 

• Risk assessments
• Emergency response plans
• Security workflows detailing who is responsible for what
• Protocols for conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Regularly scheduled staff training
• ENS protocols for notifications and linked automations
• Policies for access control, including visitation

Risk assessments help identify key risk areas within a facility so that they can be proactively addressed. Emergency response plans and protocols should be established so everyone knows what to do in an emergency, minimizing chaos and increasing efficiency. Having clear security workflows established is ultimately needed to ensure all aspects of security are covered.

To prevent situations from becoming violent, all staff should be trained in de-escalation and conflict resolution, the protocols of which should be documented. Training hospital staff to respond to violence or security threats is the key to being prepared. ENS and automation protocols should be established in the case of an incident that does escalate. Emergency communications must be reliable and customizable to the hospital’s needs so all staff are informed and ready to act fast in a crisis.

Hospital Security Officers and Their Role

Hospital security officers are often the first line of defense in a secure healthcare environment. Their responsibilities include:

• Patrolling the premises, including parking lots and entrances.
• Monitoring cameras.
• Responding to incidents.
• Writing detailed reports of security events and actions taken.

Interdisciplinary training is crucial for building staff confidence in managing violent incidents and in coordinating a response. Joint training between security and medical staff improves response time. 

When looking at workplace violence, it is clear that a cultural shift in patient-care security is required. Two main ways to do this are:

• Training security officers in verbal de-escalation to manage confrontations.
• Adding other security measures to make the hospital a safer place for everyone.

Qualifications and Training for Hospital Security Guards

Security personnel at hospitals typically have to meet several criteria to be hired for the job. Requirements such as a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and, in some cases, a college degree in law enforcement or criminology ensure that security staff are qualified for their roles. 

Security personnel must be physically fit and trained to respond quickly and effectively to any incident. Physical fitness is key as the job involves de-escalating situations and standing or walking for long periods. 

Additionally, security officers should be knowledgeable or trained in:

• CPR
• Fire safety
• Emergency response
• Weapon use and safety 
• Self-defense

All of these things help to ensure guards are well prepared for the hospital environment.

Enhancing Patient and Staff Safety with AI Technology

As mentioned previously, artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of hospital security. AI gun detection systems have the ability to detect threats early, which brings multiple benefits to the hospital environment. They are easily scalable, can be implemented on larger campuses with multiple buildings, and can be integrated directly into most existing camera systems.

By scanning CCTV footage constantly for threats, AI reduces the amount of time security personnel spend on video footage analysis. This gives security personnel the chance to focus their attention on other tasks that may otherwise be neglected. It also may increase the overall efficiency of surveillance in catching threats: While a person may get distracted talking to colleagues or miss details in busier areas, the technology focuses solely on detecting the designated object. 

Once AI identifies a firearm and a human verifies it, security teams can initiate a quick and robust response. Overall, AI gun detection technology benefits the efficiency of security teams and efforts across hospital campuses and enhances the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. 

Read more about the science behind AI Gun Detection, here.

Compliance with HIPAA and Privacy Regulations

HIPAA compliance and privacy regulations must be considered when implementing hospital security. The HIPAA Security Rule requires healthcare organizations to implement adequate safeguards for electronic-protected health information (ePHI). Physical and digital access control play a significant role in compliance by limiting access to patient information.

Many states have their own laws and regulations around surveillance in healthcare. For example:

• Michigan: Regulations focus on state-run healthcare facilities and permit the use of cameras around and on campuses as long as they are placed and used responsibly, as outlined here.
• California: Provides clear guidance on the usage, storage, and accessibility. Additionally, their guidelines provide suggestions for how to optimize the use of cameras in healthcare.
• New York: Has regulations for nursing home surveillance camera use specifically. The state requires that nursing homes obtain written and verbal consent from residents/their representatives.

Following the regulations of the state in which the hospital or healthcare facility is located is necessary for compliance and essential for responsible use. Regular audits and assessments help identify and fix vulnerabilities before breaches in security can happen.

Cost Considerations for Hospital Security Systems

Hospital security systems can be very expensive, from initial implementation costs and maintenance to the hiring and training of security personnel. And, with all of the other financial strains currently facing the healthcare industry, many hospitals put security at the bottom of their budget.

Investing in security may help to alleviate some of those costs. As noted previously, U.S. hospitals spend $18.27 billion per year on violence. Just $3.62 billion of that comes from preventative investments, like violence prevention training and security technology investments… the rest is spent on post-incident costs.

When hospital security systems and prevention programs are approached and implemented proactively, there is potential to prevent incidents and reduce post-incident costs.

Non-profit hospitals that are struggling with the cost of security may be eligible to apply for FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Additionally, the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and the National Healthcare Preparedness Programs (NHPP) aim to provide support and guidance nationwide to ensure the highest level of resilience.

Creating a Safe and Secure Care Environment for All

In the end, the goal of hospital security systems is for everyone (patients, staff, and visitors) to feel safe and supported, enabling excellent patient care and positive experiences. By combining AI-enhanced video surveillance, access control, clear emergency protocols, communication channels, and comprehensive security plans, hospitals can create a secure environment of excellent patient care. 

Healthcare institutions must ensure that they are always compliant with HIPAA and state regulations, as this will make systems even more effective and prevent any mishaps that can come from irresponsibility.

Investing in security is a big load to put on hospitals… but it is a necessary one. When security is prioritized, healthcare workers can feel safer on the job, patients and families can feel more comfortable during their stay, and those who pose a threat can be addressed and held accountable—hopefully, before anyone gets hurt.

Omnilert understands the complex challenges facing healthcare today and offers a wide range of scalable solutions for hospitals. These include integratable AI gun-detection technology, security automation, ENS, and mass notification systems. To learn more about how our products work in hospitals, visit our hospital security solutions page (click here).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)