March 2, 2022 3:00 a.m.

On Tuesday, legislation to protect hospital workers from physical assault in the workplace passed the Oregon House.

HB 4142 A, authored by Representative Shelly Boschart Davis a Republican from Albany, and Representative Sheri Schouten, a Beaverton Democrat, expands the crime of assault in the third degree for someone who intentionally or knowingly causes physical injury to a person working in a hospital while performing their official duties. This extends the same protections already in place for taxi drivers, EMT workers, and road flaggers.

A release from Representative Boschart Davis said hospital workers have been overwhelmed by staffing shortages and insufficient bed capacity during the pandemic. These added tensions can result in a physically hostile work environment as they attempt to provide care to patients under increased stress.

The bi-partisan legislation passed 54-6. It is the second bill this session elevating criminal punishments for assault, following HB 4144, which passed on February 24th.