The "Healthcare Workplace Security Act" aims to enhance the legal protections for healthcare workers in South Carolina by amending Section 16-3-600 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The bill introduces definitions for "healthcare facility" and "healthcare worker," and specifies that any assault and battery offenses committed against healthcare workers within healthcare facilities will be treated with greater severity. Notably, the act stipulates that the address of a healthcare worker who is a victim of such offenses will be recorded as the address of the healthcare facility where they work, ensuring their personal information is protected.

The bill outlines various degrees of assault and battery, with specific penalties for offenses committed against healthcare workers. For instance, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature committed against a healthcare worker can result in a felony charge with significant fines and mandatory minimum imprisonment. The legislation emphasizes the seriousness of violence against healthcare professionals and aims to deter such acts by imposing stricter legal consequences. Overall, the act seeks to create a safer working environment for healthcare workers in South Carolina.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 11-7-70, 1-3-240, 11-7-10
12/06/2024-A: 16-3-600
02/05/2025: 16-3-600
Latest Version: 16-3-600