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Poll results

Three Massachusetts associations have come together to try to pass a bill to make intentional assault and battery against a healthcare worker a felony, as the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association reports a hospital care worker in the state is assaulted every 36 minutes. 

Do you support the effort to raise the charges to the felony level for anyone found guilty of assaulting a healthcare worker?
Yes (95%, 316 VOTES)
No (5%, 16 VOTES)
  • 332 Votes
  • 4 Comments
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4 Comments

  • May 19, 2025

    What about assaults on elderly or handicapped or children or teachers or pregnant women or...
    Maybe in assault on anybody should be a felony?
    Why are we singling out healthcare workers?

  • Michael Topalian
    May 19, 2025

    Assault can mean as little as threatening to cause harm or inflict fear. People in a health care environment are often there due to injury or trauma and may be more aggressive than normal. If they do not physically harm the worker, I am not sure being charged with a felony is appropriate.

  • May 19, 2025

    With nearly 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional, I have unfortunately witnessed far too many colleagues—particularly nurses—fall victim to patient assaults. These incidents are deeply concerning and have significant consequences on both the physical and mental well-being of nursing staff. Our profession is fundamentally rooted in compassion and care, and when healthcare workers are harmed by patients, it must be recognized as a serious issue.

    Becoming a registered nurse requires extensive education and successful completion of the NCLEX licensure examination, representing years of dedication and commitment. When nurses are injured while performing their duties, it not only affects their personal health but also jeopardizes their careers and livelihoods.

    It is imperative that healthcare institutions prioritize the creation of safer work environments by implementing enhanced safety measures and protections for all staff members. Furthermore, patients who intentionally assault healthcare workers must be held accountable for their actions to ensure justice and deter future occurrences.

  • May 19, 2025

    I am curious who would vote "no" on this.