This bill amends the definition of "health care professional" within the aggravated assault statute (N.J.S.2C:12-1) to align it with the definition established under the Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act. The current law specifies that aggravated assault against a health care worker occurs when the assault is committed against individuals employed by licensed health care facilities to provide direct patient care or those licensed to practice health care professions, with certain exceptions. The proposed changes will broaden this definition to include any health care professional, volunteers, supportive services staff, or employees of health care facilities while they are performing their official duties.

The bill also emphasizes the consequences for individuals convicted of assaulting health care professionals, which includes mandatory completion of an anger management course and community service as stipulated in the Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act. By revising the aggravated assault statute to reflect this updated definition, the bill aims to enhance protections for health care professionals and ensure that the legal framework is consistent across related legislation. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.