NY S09619

Expands the definition of medical professionals protected under penal law Section 120.05 by replacing references to only "registered nurse" and "licensed practical nurse" with a broader category including physicians, physician assistants, health care providers, primary care practitioners, nurses, nurse practitioners, certified nursing assistants, ambulance personnel, and hospital employees, attendants, agents, or volunteers.

Applies enhanced assault protections to hospital employees and volunteers as defined in Section 2801 of the Public Health Law, in addition to the already-protected medical professionals.

Extends the protected class definition to Division 11 offenses (assaults on transit workers and other public employees), adding the same expanded list of medical professionals to those protected from assault while performing assigned duties.

Changes gender-specific language from "he or she" to "such person" throughout the statute for gender-neutral terminology.

Takes effect 60 days after becoming law, with amendments to Division 11 taking effect on the same date and manner as Section 2 of Part Z of Chapter 55 of the 2024 laws.