Legislative carveout would change penalties for assaults on health care workers

For decades, a Washington law has empowered prosecutors to pursue felony charges against those who assault healthcare workers. Which, on a base level, makes sense. Healthcare workers don’t want to be harmed while doing their jobs. But some are worried that a potential felony charge – which would apply to both physical attacks, and typically minor offenses like spitting on someone – doesn’t prevent those attacks from happening and moves those with severe mental health challenges into a criminal justice system that worsens their condition.  That’s led state lawmakers to propose an adjustment to the law broadening the penalties for those who assault healthcare workers – which would exempt people experiencing mental health crisis. The bill – HB 1220 – passed out of committee last week and is now headed to the full House.  Seattle Times’ investigative reporter Sydney Brownstone has been following the story.  Guests: Sydney Brownstone, investigative reporter for the Seattle Times Related Links:  Health care worker assault law could see reform this year | The Seattle Times A law to protect WA health care workers keeps patients in crisis | The Seattle Times Find HB 1220 here Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.