Bad news: A patient had a psychotic break today and tried to trash the clinic.

[rustydog]

16. Sadly, this is a common thing in Washington State healthcare facilities

Assaults against healthcare workers is so bad Washington passed laws to try to help healthcare facilities lower the number.
It doesn't appear to be working what with the HUGE number of people with psychiatric disorders unable to be treated in mental health facilities.

They are brought to ER by family or police involuntarily and violence is common. In Washington there is the "interfering with a healthcare facility" law that makes it an arrest able offense to disrupt the healthcare facility through yelling, disrupting., blocking access.... it gets one 24 hours in jail if charged. and staff can sue the perpetrator civilly.

There is the assault charge. it is a felony in WA to assault a healthcare provider. Same felony as assaulting a law enforcement officer.
Staff must be willing to press charges. Many do not because they believe it is a part of the job description to be assaulted.
it is not! One coworker told me he applied at a facility for a 2nd job and was told being assaulted is a part of the job. He refused to take the offer.

I'm sorry you were assaulted. I am glad it is not serious. I've worked in healthcare security since 1979 and am an instructor in non-violent crisis intervention techniques. I'm also an ex defensive tactics instructor (violent crisis intervention). Proper training helps greatly, but events still occur. Washington requires healthcare facilities of a certain size to have a security program in place.
sadly, if you work in a small facility, your maintenance engineer might be your security.

Hopefully your employer will find a suitable security agency or go in-house. Good luck.