Legislation Moving Forward To Allow Hospitals To Employ Police Officers

State Representative Ryan Williams sponsoring legislation that would authorize healthcare facilities to employ and commission police officers.

Williams said smaller healthcare facilities are struggling to find security workers.

“Large healthcare facilities have the ability to hire or stand up their own law enforcement agencies in some instances like Vanderbilt,” Williams said. “Smaller folks like Erlanger and small regional hospitals even Cookeville Regional Medical Center, they don’t have the ability to stand one up, so this gives them the ability

Williams said the bill is not related to Cookeville Regional but does has statewide application. Williams said an official of Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga requested the legislation. Williams said their local representative had no more bill slots, so Williams decided to carry the bill.

Williams said in order to be hired, an officer must be deputized or post-certified with the state. Williams said they would not have arrest powers but could detain people.

Williams said the bill has passed on the House floor. Williams said he is confident it will be signed as legislation.