Bill > A06051

This bill amends New York's penal law to expand the legal protections for medical providers and hospital personnel by broadening the definition of who is protected from assault. Specifically, the bill removes the previous limited references to "registered nurse" and "licensed practical nurse" and replaces them with a much more comprehensive list of medical professionals, including physicians, physician assistants, health care providers, primary care practitioners, nurses (registered, practitioner, certified, licensed), nursing assistants, ambulance personnel, hospital directors, medical directors, hospital employees, attendants, agents, and volunteers. The bill maintains existing provisions that make it a criminal offense to intentionally prevent these medical professionals from performing their lawful duties or to cause them physical injury, whether through direct action or by releasing or failing to control an animal with the intent to obstruct their work. The expanded definition ensures that a wider range of medical personnel are legally protected from assault while performing their professional duties, reflecting the broad and critical roles different medical professionals play in healthcare settings. The law will take effect 60 days after it is signed, providing immediate enhanced legal protection for medical workers across various healthcare roles.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6051