Summary

Makes it a federal crime to knowingly assault a person employed by or contracting with a hospital or specified medical facility while that person is performing duties, when the assault interferes with or limits the person's ability to perform those duties. The measure also includes congressional findings that such violence is a growing national problem that affects interstate commerce and that existing federal law is inadequate, and it amends federal criminal law (Title 18) to add the new offense. A separate provision establishes a short title for the Act.

• Creates a new federal crime for knowingly assaulting hospital employees or contractors while they are performing duties if the assault interferes with their work.
• Finds that violence against health care workers is a national problem that harms care delivery, workforce retention, and interstate commerce.
• Amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code by adding a new chapter to prohibit these assaults.
• Asserts federal jurisdiction over these offenses based on interstate commerce and cites Supreme Court and circuit precedent.
• Encourages federal enforcement to supplement state and local prosecutions but does not provide new funding for enforcement.
• Does not change civil liability, employment law, or create new grant programs for hospitals.
• Includes a brief provision establishing a short title for the law.