Assembly Bill 172 by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez unanimously passed the Assembly Committee on Public Safety today. The bill seeks to close a dangerous loophole that is putting the safety of emergency room healthcare providers in jeopardy.
Under current law, an assault or battery against a physician or nurse rendering emergency medical care outside of a hospital, clinic or health care facility is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, or a one year jail time, or both. However, if an assault or battery occurs inside the health care facility, the crime is punishable as a lower misdemeanor with a jail time of up to 6 months. Sponsored by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), AB 172 would close this loophole by increasing the penalties for violence committed against all health care workers engaged in providing services within the ER.
“Health care workers in emergency rooms are on the front lines of emergency medical care. The risk of verbal and physical assault increases in an ER setting and such incidents should not be considered or accepted as part of the job,” said Rodriguez. “These workers deserve the same level of protection whether they are performing their duties inside or outside of a hospital.”
The bill will now be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.