New Jersey Assembly Bill A5914

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/24/25
• Refer: 7/24/25

Caption

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

Impact

The revision of the definition of health care professionals under N.J.S.A.2C:12-1 will allow for more inclusive protections that cover a variety of roles within health care settings. This includes not just licensed health care providers but also those supporting their activities. Consequently, a wider range of individuals would be eligible to report assaults and seek legal recourse, which may have implications for incident reporting and the accountability of perpetrators. The bill aims to diminish the occurrences of violence against health care workers, thus potentially fostering a safer work environment for those who care for the public.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5914 seeks to revise the definition of 'health care professional' in the aggravated assault statute to align with the definitions established in the 'Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act.' This change is significant as it ensures that a wider range of individuals working in the health care sector, including volunteers and supportive services staff, are protected under the law when performing their official duties. The objective of this bill is to strengthen the protections for health care professionals from violence within their workplace, particularly during moments of direct patient care.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A5914 could arise from discussions on its potential implications for law enforcement and judicial resources. By categorizing assaults against a broader group of individuals as aggravated assault, it may lead to an increase in legal proceedings and convictions. Critics may argue this approach could overwhelm the judicial system or that it could redefine engagement in certain supportive roles, potentially causing misunderstandings regarding treatment of various personnel. Overall, while the intention is to protect health care workers, the execution and implications of such changes warrant careful scrutiny.