Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 977, authored by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez and sponsored by the California Medical Association (CMA), to extend protections for healthcare workers in emergency departments.
“California has some of the strongest protections for healthcare workers, and now these workers will have equal protection inside emergency rooms as they do outside of hospitals,” said CMA President Tanya W. Spirtos, M.D. “Thank you, Governor Newsom, Assemblymember Rodriguez, and the Legislature for supporting healthcare workers across the state.”
AB 977 addresses the increasing threats and violence faced by physicians and healthcare workers in emergency departments. Previously, assaults against healthcare workers in these settings carried lesser penalties than similar offenses outside of hospitals. This new law ensures that healthcare professionals in emergency departments receive the same legal protection as other healthcare workers.
“Threats and violence against healthcare professionals have surged in recent years,” said emergency physician Adam Dougherty, M.D. “AB 977 is a significant step toward ensuring the safety of employees and patients in emergency departments.”
AB 977 was part of CMA’s priority bill package for the 2024 legislative session, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting its healthcare workforce.