Nurses Association commends passage of bill to protect nurses against violence

LATHAM, Jan. 27, 2010 – The New York State Nurses Association commends the New York State Senate’s passage of S4018, an act to amend the penal law, making assault on registered nurses a Class C felony.

Police officers, firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are protected under this classification. Like these professionals, RNs and LPNs face inherent dangers in simply trying to do their jobs. Nurses regularly come into contact with patients, family members and the public in general whose level of distress may escalate to violence. These unstable conditions are often exacerbated in facilities that are understaffed, forcing nurses to work alone.

In recognition of the vital services RNs and LPNs provide in dangerous settings, the Nurses Association strongly urges the Assembly to send the same message that violence will not be tolerated and pass its bill this session.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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