This bill amends the definition of "health care provider" in Iowa law to broaden its scope. The new definition now includes not only emergency medical care providers and licensed individuals under specific chapters but also anyone who is working, volunteering, or participating in an educational course of instruction at a hospital, rural emergency hospital, or nursing facility. This change aims to enhance protections for individuals in these roles by recognizing their contributions and the potential risks they face.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for assaults against health care providers, categorizing such offenses as serious misdemeanors, aggravated misdemeanors, or class D felonies, depending on the severity of the assault. The penalties range from confinement for up to one year and fines of $430 to $2,560 for serious misdemeanors, to confinement for up to five years and fines of $1,025 to $10,245 for class D felonies. This legislative action underscores the importance of safeguarding health care providers and ensuring that assaults against them are met with appropriate legal consequences.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 708.3A