Nurses were in Hartford on Monday urging lawmakers on the Public Health Committee to protect them from violent patients by approving new protection plans.

"I often witness our clients fish uncapped, used needles out of their pockets, nurses or shopping bags,” said Anna Stouffer, a public health student at Yale University.

It comes after a visiting nurse was killed in Willimantic last year. The new bill would require risk assessments for every home care patient. Workers could also request an escort to come with them.

Health agencies would have to provide workers an emergency button or safety app.