Revises definition of health care professional in aggravated assault statute to match definition under "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Donlon and 2 co-sponsors

Bill A 5914 enhances legal protections for health care professionals in New Jersey by updating the aggravated assault statute to include more individuals in this definition.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee

#healthprof

Summary of Bill A 5914

Bill Number: A 5914
Title: Revises definition of health care professional in aggravated assault statute to match definition under "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act."
Status: Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
Introduced: July 24, 2025
Sponsored by: Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, M.D. (District 11, Monmouth)

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5914 aims to amend the New Jersey aggravated assault statute by updating the definition of "health care professional." This change is intended to align the legal definition with that established under the "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." The bill seeks to enhance protections for health care professionals against acts of violence, recognizing their critical role in providing care and services to the community.

Key Provisions

Definition Update: The bill revises the current definition of "health care professional" within the aggravated assault statute (N.J.S.2C:12-1) to include:

Health care professionals, volunteers, supportive services staff, and employees working in health care facilities while performing their official duties.
Direct care workers at State or county psychiatric hospitals, developmental centers, or veterans' memorial homes, provided they are not classified as patients or residents with mental illness or developmental disabilities.

Aggravated Assault Criteria: The bill maintains the existing criteria for aggravated assault but expands the list of individuals protected under these provisions to include the newly defined health care professionals.

Impact

Who is Affected: The bill primarily impacts health care professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, by providing them with greater legal protections against violence while they are performing their duties. This is particularly relevant in light of increasing incidents of violence against health care workers.

Legal Protections: By aligning the definition with the "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act," the bill aims to ensure that health care professionals are recognized as individuals deserving of specific legal protections under the aggravated assault statute.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Process: The bill was introduced in the Assembly on July 24, 2025, and has been referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation: A companion bill, S 4715, has been introduced in the Senate, indicating a parallel effort to address this issue in both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature.

Conclusion

Bill A 5914 represents a significant step toward enhancing the safety and legal protections of health care professionals in New Jersey. By revising the definition of "health care professional" in the context of aggravated assault, the bill seeks to address the growing concern of violence against those who provide essential health services.