HARRISBURG – The Senate voted today to extend new protections to members of the healthcare community by strengthening penalties for assaults against health care practitioners and technicians, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Judy Ward (R-30).
The bill would increase the penalty for an assault on a health care practitioner, while in the performance of duty where there is bodily injury, from a misdemeanor of the second degree to a felony of the second degree.
Existing state law already provides stiffer penalties for assaults against EMS personnel, including doctors, residents, nurses, paramedics and other members of the health care community.
Senate Bill 351 would extend the same protections to a broader range of health care practitioners, including social workers, pharmacists, audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, dietitian-nutritionists, massage therapists, optometrists, podiatrists, physician assistants and respiratory therapists.
A number of health care technicians would also be included under the bill, such as cardiac device specialists, diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiac sonographer, exercise physiologists, vascular technologists, pharmacy technicians and physical therapy aides.
“Every member of the health care community deserves to be protected against violence,” said Ward, who is a Registered Nurse. “Increasing these penalties will reduce the risk of violence against health care practitioners and hopefully give them the peace of mind to serve patients to the best of their ability.”
Senate Bill 351 is supported by the PA State Nurses Association, PA Medical Society, PA Hospital Association, PA Organization of Nurse Leaders, PA Society for Respiratory Care, Inc., and PA District Attorneys Association.
The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490