WeVote

Bill

Bill

A 5917

Relates to the assault of physicians providing direct patient care

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 17 co-sponsors

Bill A 5917 enhances protections for physicians by imposing stricter penalties for assaults, aiming to create a safer environment for healthcare providers and patients.

REFERRED TO CODES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5917

Summary of Bill A 5917

Bill Number: A 5917
Title: Relates to the assault of physicians providing direct patient care
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: February 24, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5917 aims to enhance the protection of physicians who provide direct patient care by addressing the issue of assault against them. The legislation seeks to establish stricter penalties for individuals who commit acts of violence against healthcare professionals in the course of their duties. The intent is to create a safer working environment for physicians, thereby ensuring that they can focus on delivering quality care to patients without fear of physical harm.

Key Provisions

While the specific text of the bill is not provided, the following key provisions can be anticipated based on the title and purpose:

  • Definition of Assault: The bill may define what constitutes an assault against a physician, potentially including physical attacks, threats, or harassment.

  • Increased Penalties: The legislation is likely to propose enhanced penalties for those convicted of assaulting healthcare providers, which could include higher fines or longer prison sentences.

  • Reporting Requirements: There may be provisions requiring healthcare facilities to report incidents of assault against physicians to law enforcement and relevant health authorities.

  • Support for Victims: The bill might include measures to provide support and resources for physicians who are victims of assault, such as counseling services or legal assistance.

Who Would Be Affected

The primary beneficiaries of Bill A 5917 would be:

  • Physicians: Those providing direct patient care would receive increased protection under the law, which could lead to a reduction in workplace violence.

  • Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics may need to implement new policies and training programs to comply with the provisions of the bill.

  • Patients: Indirectly, patients may benefit from a safer healthcare environment, which can enhance the quality of care received.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 24, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.

  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo review and potential amendments by the committee before it can proceed to the legislative floor for debate and voting.

Conclusion

Bill A 5917 represents a legislative effort to protect healthcare professionals from violence while they perform their essential duties. By establishing stricter penalties for assaults against physicians, the bill aims to foster a safer environment for both healthcare providers and patients. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further details and specific provisions will be clarified.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.