BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota lawmakers are mulling a measure that would make it a felony to assault a health care worker, including putting excrement, urine, blood, spit and other bodily fluids on them.
It's already a felony under North Dakota law to assault law enforcement, firefighters and others.
Doctors, nurses and other medical officials told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday that health care workers should be included under the law.
North Dakota Medical Association Executive Director Courtney Koebele says health care workers are seeing more assaults in the workplace.
Bismarck emergency room Dr. Tyler Price says the proposal "is an important step" to help keep medical workers safe.