S1779

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti to upgrade the penalty for simple assault to an aggravated assault charge if the victim is a nurse, was approved by the full Senate today.

“Violence against nurses occurs frequently and has a substantial effect on the well-being and job satisfaction of all health care providers,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. “Because violence in the workplace is an underreported concern for many health care workers, it has been difficult to stop. By changing our laws and toughing our penalties against those who harm nurses, we can deter these violent acts and improve the quality of life for those in the health care field.”

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti to upgrade the penalty for simple assault to an aggravated assault charge if the victim is a nurse, was approved by the Senate Law Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today.

“Our nurses provide vital life saving services and unfortunately, many have reported being victims of verbal assault or abuse and physical attacks by patients and family members or visitors,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. “We currently face the challenge of finding qualified nurses, and it would be in the State’s best interest if we help encourage health professionals by ensuring their working conditions are as comfortable and as safe as possible.”