February 2, 2022 3:00 a.m.

Two lawmakers say legislation being introduced in Salem will expand stronger employee protections to include hospital workers.

Representative Shelly Boschart Davis, an Albany Republican, and Representative Sheri Schouten, a Beaverton Democrat, said House Bill 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.

A release said the legislation introduces appropriate consequences to create a safer environment in hospitals. The legislators say the current law is neither strong enough, nor provides justice for hospital workers if they are physically injured.

Boschart Davis said “our overworked hospital workers deserve stronger protection and justice while they put themselves in harm’s way to care for patients”. She said hospital workers should not have to worry about physical danger while taking care of patients.

A link to the legislation is posted: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Measures/Overview/HB4142