N.Y. Workplace Law Extends Protections to Direct-Care Workers
December 9, 2015
New York direct-care workers employed in residential settings and hospitals will benefit from a workplace protection law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on November 23.
The law, introduced by state senator Rich Funke (R), extends to direct-care workers the same type of protections currently enjoyed by nurses, firefighters, and other types of workers.
Specifically, the law says that anyone who assaults a direct-care worker while on the job can be charged with second-degree assault.
In a statement, Funke highlights a recent study showing that more than one-third of direct-care workers in nursing homes have experienced workforce violence.
