Relates to assaults on medical providers and employees and volunteers of hospitals

This bill (A 6051) expands protections under New York's assault laws by adding specific healthcare workers to the list of protected individuals. It amends Penal Law Section 120.05 to include medical providers (physicians, physician assistants), nurses (registered, nurse practitioners, certified nursing assistants), hospital employees, volunteers, ambulance personnel, and emergency medical staff as those who cannot be assaulted while performing their duties. The key mechanism is explicitly listing these roles in the legal definition of assault, making such attacks a more severe offense. It directly affects healthcare workers in hospitals, emergency departments, and related settings across New York State. The bill is currently referred to the Codes committee as of February 2025.