A modern approach to protecting healthcare workers — powered by wearable, always-connected technology.
In a significant move to bolster the safety of healthcare workers, Illinois has introduced Senate Bill 1435 (SB1435), an amendment to the University of Illinois Hospital Act and the Hospital Licensing Act. This bill mandates that hospital employees must have access to panic button technology—signaling a state-wide commitment to workplace safety in healthcare.
At WSPER, we fully support this initiative and are proud to offer a wearable GPS/LTE panic button designed to meet and exceed the safety goals outlined in this legislation.
Why SB1435 Matters
Healthcare professionals frequently face threats of workplace violence. A study by the University of Illinois Labor Education Program found that:
- 90% of nurses surveyed experienced at least one episode of workplace violence annually
- 50% had six or more violent encounters each year
SB1435 directly addresses this by requiring that every hospital employee be equipped with a panic button—a proactive step to reduce risk and speed up emergency response times.
WSPER: More Than Compliance — A Smarter Safety Solution
While SB1435 mandates the provision of panic buttons, it leaves the choice of technology up to the institutions. That's where WSPER's wearable panic button stands out.
✅ Wearable and Always Connected
Unlike traditional fixed panic buttons mounted at a nurse's station or behind a desk, WSPER devices are worn by the employee — clipped to a lanyard or badge — ensuring protection follows them wherever they go, even off hospital property.
✅ LTE + GPS = Real-Time Location Awareness
When activated, the device transmits a live GPS location over LTE networks to security partners or emergency responders. Whether an incident occurs in the parking garage, an elevator, or a patient room — WSPER makes sure responders know exactly where to go.
✅ No Wi-Fi or App Required
WSPER devices operate independently of local Wi-Fi or apps, providing reliable functionality even during network outages or emergencies when seconds count.
Implementation Timeline
If passed, SB1435 will take effect July 1, 2025, giving hospitals time to identify and implement a compliant safety solution.
With WSPER, hospitals can go beyond just “checking the box” — they can deploy a proven, modern safety platform built for real-world challenges.
Let’s Talk Hospital Safety
As SB1435 moves through the legislature, WSPER is ready to help hospitals in Illinois take immediate, compliant, and effective steps toward protecting their teams.