(NewsNation) — There is a growing push to enhance security measures at hospitals in Alabama following the fatal shooting of a nurse earlier this month.
Ada Doss, 27, was shot and killed during a robbery in the parking lot of DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on May 12, according to NewsNation local affiliate WIAT. Matthew James Taylor, 41, has been charged with capital murder following the shooting. Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office’s Violent Crimes Unit said video evidence showed Taylor approach Doss at around 4 p.m. and attempt to take her purse before shooting her once.
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In the wake of the shooting, an anonymous DCH Health System nurse created a Change.org petition urging Alabama lawmakers, including Governor Kay Ivey, to take action by introducing and passing legislation to bolster security for healthcare workers in the state.
Proposed requirements for hospitals under ‘Ada’s Law’
The proposed legislation, named “Ada’s Law,” would mandate enhanced security requirements for hospitals, health care systems, emergency departments, outpatient facilities and licensed health care institutions in Alabama.Some of the proposed requirements include:
- Secured badge access employee only parking
- Armed licensed security
- 24/7 security escorts
- Annual state safety audits
- Whistleblower protections
“Ada was murdered in the afternoon, in broad daylight. This tragedy proves that employee safety is not only a night-shift issue,” the proposal states. “Daylight did not protect her. Cameras did not protect her. Policies on paper did not protect her.”
Suspect in Ada Doss shooting displayed symptoms of mental illness: police
Based on the investigation and suspect testimony, Kennedy said Taylor has symptoms of mental illness and had been dropped off at the hospital earlier that day by a family friend because he “needed help.”
Video and witness testimony also showed Taylor had attempted to rob someone else moments before shooting Doss, but they were able to get away, Kennedy added.
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Doss’ death comes on the heels of a murder-suicide at Brookwood Baptist Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, a couple months ago…