Bill > A05917

This bill proposes to modify the New York State Penal Law by explicitly including physicians in the list of professionals who are afforded special legal protections against assault while performing their duties. Specifically, the bill expands existing legal provisions to make it a class D felony (assault in the second degree) to intentionally cause physical injury to a physician while they are providing direct patient care. The bill adds physicians, as defined in Article 131 of the Education Law, to sections of the penal code that previously protected other healthcare workers like nurses and emergency medical personnel. The modifications broaden the scope of protection to include physicians working in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, emergency centers, and other locations where direct patient care is provided. By making assault against physicians a more serious criminal offense, the bill aims to provide additional legal deterrence and protection for medical professionals who are at risk of violence while performing their essential healthcare duties.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5917