WHA has created resources and learning opportunities to help members interpret and promulgate the stipulations of Act 209, recently signed into law, which makes threats and acts of violence against health care workers a Class H felony.
WHA’s legislative act summary of new Act 209 can be accessed by WHA members through the Legal Resources section of the WHA Member Portal, or directly by clicking here. The written summary available to WHA members details key elements of the new law and highlights other potentially applicable criminal laws that could be applied in special cases of battery, harassment or intimidation against health care workers.
WHA will also hold a webinar for WHA members on Thursday, March 31 from 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. to review details of the new law, including WHA’s efforts to promote the law to deter violence and threats against health care workers. The webinar will also outline who is protected, what actions are prohibited, how the new law compares with current law and how it can be applied by law enforcement. Entitled Review of Act 209 – New Felony Penalties for Violence and Threats Against Health Care Workers, the webinar is offered to WHA members at no cost, but pre-registration is required. More information on the webinar, including registration, is available here.
In addition, as specified by Act 209, the Wisconsin Department of Justice has posted
model language that health care facilities may post at its entrances alerting persons to the penalties under this section.
If you have questions about the new law, contact WHA General Counsel
Matthew Stanford.