Emergency-room workers who treat
individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have greater legal protection, and those who misbehave in ERs will have less protection, under a law that will take effect next month.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, will allow peace
officers to make an arrest or issue a citation for a fourth-degree assault that
occurs in a hospital emergency room, even if the officer didn’t witness the
crime, as long as the officer has probable cause to believe the offense
occurred.
“Hospital emergency personnel treat individuals in the worst
of conditions – and sometimes that means putting themselves at risk, if a
patient comes in intoxicated or high,” Gov. Steve Beshear said at a ceremonial signing of the bill today. “This law gives
medical staff the security of knowing that an offender will be held accountable
for an assault that takes place when they’re brought in for care.”
Under current law, a hospital worker has to swear out a warrant alleging assault. Fourth-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail.
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