Feb 17 2010
The Ohio Nurses Association applauds the introduction of House Bill 450 (HB 450) on February 11, 2010, sponsored by State Representatives Denise Driehaus (D-Columbus) and Linda S. Bolon (D-Columbiana). The bill will increase the penalty for assault when the victim is a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse engaged in the performance of official duties whom the offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.
HB 450 recognizes that violent acts against nurses in the workplace occur more frequently than in any other profession. ONA is pleased that Reps. Driehaus and Bolon recognize that an assault on a nurse should be treated the same as an assault on school employees, police, fire and EMS workers, which under Ohio Revised Code 2903.13 is a fourth degree felony with a mandatory twelve-month prison sentence.
"I recognize and appreciate the integral role nurses fill in our health care system," said Rep. Driehaus. "I want to do everything in my power to not only protect these hard-working men and women as they do their jobs but also to aid this vital profession in its efforts to recruit the next generation of nurses."
"ONA has long advocated for legislation to protect nurses from violence in the workplace, and we are proud to support House Bill 450 as a key part of ONA's overall workplace violence prevention initiative," said Elise Geig, ONA Director of Health Policy.
The bill has received bipartisan support from across the state.