Bill > SB0278

This bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to enhance legal protections for emergency department staff in healthcare facilities by adding them to the categories of individuals who receive heightened penalties when they are victims of assault or battery. Specifically, the bill expands existing provisions in aggravated assault and aggravated battery statutes to include "emergency department staff" as a protected class. The bill comprehensively defines "emergency department staff" as any clinical or nonclinical personnel present in an emergency department or emergency room, ranging from physicians and nurses to technicians, security staff, patient transporters, respiratory therapists, housekeeping personnel, secretaries, and pharmacists. It also provides a detailed definition of "health care facility" that encompasses various types of medical establishments licensed under different state acts. The modifications mean that assaulting or battering an emergency department staff member while they are performing official duties, attempting to prevent them from performing their duties, or retaliating against them for performing their duties will now trigger more severe criminal penalties. The bill is effective immediately, signaling the legislature's intent to provide swift additional legal protections for healthcare workers in emergency settings.

Justice

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=278&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104