The Nebraska Legislature advanced a bill Tuesday that would expand workplace violence protections for all hospital staff, not just licensed health care providers.
LB 322 broadens the definition of protected health care workers under current law, which already increases penalties for assault but only applies to physicians and licensed practitioners.
Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, applauded the move.
“Our hospitals are incredibly grateful to the large majority of the Nebraska Legislature who stood with our health care heroes today,” Nordquist said. “Every hospital worker faces the same risks of violence and deserves equal legal protection.”
The bill aims to send a strong message of zero tolerance for assaults on any hospital employee. Lawmakers opposing the bill argue the measure is overly carceral amid the state’s ongoing struggle with prison/jail over crowding.
The Nebraska Hospital Association is urging lawmakers to continue backing the measure as it moves forward.