Oregon State Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) and Representative Sheri Schouten (D-Beaverton) are re-introducing legislation to expand stronger employee protections to include hospital workers.

HB 4142 expands the crime of assault in the third degree for someone who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes physical injury to a person working in a hospital while performing their official duties.

This legislation introduces consequences to create a safer environment in hospitals.

Some observers have expressed that the current law is neither strong enough, nor provides justice for hospital workers if they are physically injured.

Hospital workers have been overwhelmed by staffing shortages recently, some due to the mandating of the controversial COVID vaccine.

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These added tensions can result in a physically hostile work environment as they attempt to provide care to patients under increased stress.

“Our overworked hospital workers deserve stronger protection and justice while they put themselves in harm’s way to care for patients,” said Representative Boshart Davis. “Current consequences for assaulting a hospital worker are simply too weak and do not fit the seriousness of the crime. Health care workers should not have to worry about physical danger while taking care of patients. Assaulting a hospital worker trying to save lives should be a serious offense. This is not just about protecting the health care community. This is also about guaranteeing exceptional care and attention for Oregonians in need by making our hospitals a safer place.”


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-01 17:01:12

Last Update: 2022-02-01 17:10:34