AB 2975 Explained: How California Hospitals Can Comply with the New Weapons Screening Law

In 2024, California passed Assembly Bill 2975 (AB 2975)—a landmark law requiring hospitals to implement weapons detection screening at key public entrances. Designed to reduce workplace violence and improve safety in healthcare settings, AB 2975 places new operational and compliance demands on hospital administrators statewide. As leaders begin preparing for these changes ahead of the 2027 enforcement date, many are asking: What exactly does the law require, and how can hospitals comply efficiently and respectfully?

This guide answers those questions and explains how Metrasens Ultra provides the ideal solution to meet and exceed AB 2975’s standards.

What is California Assembly Bill 2975 (AB 2975)? 

AB 2975 is a new California law mandating weapons detection screening at general acute-care hospitals.

It strengthens the state’s Workplace Violence Prevention in Healthcare regulations and requires hospitals to deploy automated screening systems at major entrances to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors.

When does AB 2975 take effect? 

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board must adopt official regulations by March 1, 2027, and hospitals will have 90 days from that date to achieve compliance.

Which entrances must be screened? 

Hospitals are required to implement weapons screening at:

• Main public entrance: The main entrance is the face of the hospital — and often the busiest. Under AB 2975, it must include a continuous weapons detection system capable of handling large surges in foot traffic during shift changes, visiting hours, and outpatient arrivals. Hospitals should evaluate: Entryway width, ceiling height and power access for screening devices, Queuing flow to avoid congestion or visibility issues, and Signage placement and patient communication for a smooth visitor experience.
• Emergency Department entrance: The ED entrance poses the highest security and workflow challenge under AB 2975. It’s a critical access point that must balance immediate patient care with screening compliance. The law permits “treated-first, screened-later” protocols for patients in medical distress, but screening is still required for all other entrants — staff, visitors, EMS crews, and non-critical arrivals. Hospitals should define clear triage-based screening workflows, provide bypass lanes for critical patients and responders, and train security and clinical teams together on post-admission screening procedures.
• Labor and Delivery entrance (if separate): For hospitals with a dedicated Labor & Delivery entrance, AB 2975 extends the same screening requirements. These entrances often have lower traffic but high emotional sensitivity — meaning screening solutions must be discreet and reassuring. Hospitals may opt to consolidate entrances or implement smaller-footprint systems to manage costs while maintaining compliance.

Are handheld wands allowed under AB 2975? 

Only as a secondary method in rare exceptions.

AB 2975 prohibits using handheld metal detectors or wands as the primary screening tool, meaning hospitals must implement automated systems that can continuously screen individuals as they enter.

What qualifies as AB 2975-compliant technology? 

To satisfy the new law, a hospital’s system should:

• Offer touchless, walk-past detection
• Handle patient and visitor flow
• Differentiate between benign and threat objects
• Integrate with existing security workflows
• Support training, documentation, and reporting

How does Metrasens Ultra ensure AB 2975 compliance? 

What are the risks of noncompliance? 

Failing to comply could lead to Cal/OSHA enforcement, financial penalties, or litigation exposure following an incident.

More importantly, delayed action risks staff safety and community trust.

How can hospitals start preparing today? 

Use this AB 2975 readiness roadmap:

1. Assess your entry points
2. Review current safety policies
3. Engage a certified detection vendor (Metrasens)
4. Pilot screening equipment early
5. Create training, signage, and incident response plans
6. Plan multi-year budgets leading up to 2027

Why hospitals choose Metrasens Ultra 

Metrasens brings proven experience from healthcare, corrections, and education sectors to hospital safety.

With touchless detection, low maintenance, and end-to-end compliance support, Ultra helps hospitals meet AB 2975 while enhancing overall workplace violence prevention.

About Metrasens 

Metrasens is the global leader in advanced detection technologies designed to protect people and assets in healthcare, corrections, education, and corporate security environments.

Our mission is to make the world safer through intelligent, non-intrusive detection — combining innovation with empathy for the people we protect.