Austin, TX – Beginning Sept. 1, assaulting emergency department personnel in Texas will be a felony offense under legislation signed into law June 14 by Gov. Rick Perry (R).
Prior to the new law, assault against a medical employee such as a nurse in an emergency department environment was considered a misdemeanor. Only assault against emergency services personnel working in the field – such as an emergency medical technician – was considered a felony.
The Des Plaines, IL-based Emergency Nurses Association applauded the signing of the bill. “This new law will give all Texas emergency nurses and personnel the increased level of protection they deserve,” San Antonio ENA President-elect Mary Leblond said in a press release.
