TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF AGGRAVATED ASSAULT UPON A HEALTHCARE WORKER; AND TO DEFINE "HEALTHCARE WORKER" REGARDING ASSAULT AND BATTERY.

Stronger assault protections for healthcare workers

Arkansas creates a Class D felony for purposely exposing a healthcare worker at work to bodily fluids or material. The person must know the victim is a healthcare worker and show extreme indifference to the worker’s hygiene and safety. The transfer must create a potential danger of infection. Covered substances include saliva, blood, urine, feces, seminal fluid, and other bodily fluids or material. Assault and battery protections cover healthcare employees, volunteers, and contractors who deliver, support, or manage healthcare services. This includes medical professionals and administrative, cleaning, security, and food service staff who directly support healthcare operations. Coverage is not limited by location, including homes, healthcare facilities, crime scenes, and accident scenes. Second-degree battery coverage expands to other healthcare workers supporting medical treatment while providing treatment, emergency services, or work related to medical training. The law also defines first responders as law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical providers, and emergency management officials acting within their jobs. Existing juvenile-prosecution procedures and rules for deciding whether someone is fit to proceed in court remain unchanged.