Legislature Advances Health Care Safety Bill

Michigan's House of Representatives on Wednesday approved legislation to pump up penalties against those convicted of assaulting professionals and volunteers in health care facilities. House Bill 5682, by Rep. Mike Mueller, a Republican, doubles the fines for those who assault health care workers in any setting. It also requires the posting of signage in health care facilities warning of the penalty for violations. The enhanced penalties would not apply "if the defendant is a patient who is receiving treatment from the victim," according to an analysis of the bill. Under ...