Wisconsin Senate Bill SB133

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/23/23
• Refer: 3/23/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Sexual assault by a health care provider and providing a penalty.

Impact

The implications of SB133 extend to enhancing the legal protections afforded to patients in various health care settings. By criminalizing sexual contact and intercourse between health care providers and their clients, the bill is designed to deter such behaviors, thereby promoting safer environments for patients. It also aligns with the state’s goal of addressing and reducing incidents of sexual misconduct in fields where clients are particularly vulnerable due to their health circumstances. Additionally, the bill mandates that those found guilty would be subject to sex offender registration, indicating the serious nature of such offenses.

Summary

Senate Bill 133 addresses sexual assault perpetrated by health care providers against their clients, establishing it as a Class C felony. The bill aims to modify existing statutes to more explicitly define the acts that constitute a crime within health care settings, making it clear that any sexual contact or sexual intercourse between health care providers and their clients is unacceptable and punishable by law. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect vulnerable individuals receiving care from exploitation by those entrusted with their welfare.

Contention

While proponents of the bill hail it as a necessary step to protect patients and uphold professional standards in health care, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and the potential for broad interpretation of what constitutes 'sexual contact.' Some health care professionals may fear that the legislation could unintentionally lead to overly cautious behavior or misinterpretations that could hinder necessary interaction between providers and clients. Ultimately, the bill seeks to strike a balance between maintaining professional relationships within health care and ensuring client safety and trust.