By New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, R-C-Rome, 53rd District
Last month, an individual was arrested after police said that he trapped a healthcare worker in a hospital room and attacked them.
While speaking with a nurse practitioner at Wynn Hospital in Utica, the individual became upset about a treatment plan. Police said that he rushed the worker and began to strike them in the face and head. The victim suffered lacerations on their face and head.
Unfortunately, similar scenes have played out in hospitals and medical facilities locally, across the state and around the nation. Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare employees are exposed daily to potential assault or other violent situations in the course of their duties.
Sen Griffo
According to surveys by the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Emergency Nurse Association, almost half of emergency department physicians report being physically assaulted at work, while nearly 70% of emergency nurses report being hit and kicked while on the job. A 2025 report by the American College of Surgeons found that, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience violence than other occupations.
While serving as a panelist for SUNY Upstate Medical University’s recent “Respect and Heal Conference,” I continued my advocacy for legislation, policies and procedures that would prevent workplace violence in healthcare settings.
This includes a bill (S.6662) I have introduced that would give prosecutors the option of charging an individual who intends to or causes physical injury to any healthcare professional performing their assigned duty with second-degree assault, a Class D felony.
Currently, anyone who assaults a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or medical or related personnel in hospital emergency departments can be charged with second-degree assault.
My bill would expand this statute to cover other healthcare personnel, including physicians, physician assistants, primary care providers, nurses and nursing staff (such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants), ambulance personnel, hospital directors, medical directors, and any employee, attendant, agent, or volunteer acting in an official capacity.
Unfortunately, we have seen violent and aggressive behavior against healthcare workers rising. This is unacceptable.
The work that these men and women do every day is critical to the wellbeing of our communities and society. They should be respected and protected in the workplace.
I will continue to advocate and push for solutions that will hold those committing violent acts accountable and ensure that they face more severe consequences for their actions.
