Bill > H396

This bill amends existing law to increase the penalties for assaulting or battering certain medical personnel while they are performing their duties. Specifically, it expands the list of protected medical professionals to include registered nurse psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, ambulance attendants, nurse's aides, diagnostic technicians (such as phlebotomists and EKG technicians), radiology technicians, and security officers, in addition to emergency medical technicians and ambulance operators. The updated law mandates that anyone found guilty of assaulting or battering these individuals while they are treating or transporting patients in the line of duty will face a penalty of imprisonment in the house of correction for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 2 1/2 years, or a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000, or both. This change aims to provide greater protection for these essential healthcare workers.