New Law to Let Ga. Hospitals Form Own Police Departments
May 5, 2023
The law, which goes into effect July 1, also establishes harsher penalties for anyone convicted of assaulting a healthcare worker at a hospital or medical facility.
A new law that goes into effect this summer will allow Georgia hospitals and medical facilities to form their own police departments.
Gov. Brian Kemp signed the Safer Hospitals Act in the same week that a gunman opened fire at an Atlanta medical office, killing one person and wounding four others, WXIA-TV reports. Under the new law, which goes into effect July 1, certified hospital police officers would have arrest powers and be allowed to carry firearms on hospital property.
The measure also establishes harsher penalties for attacks on healthcare workers. Anyone convicted of assaulting a healthcare worker at a hospital could face a sentence ranging from three to 20 years in prison.
“Every hour, two nurses are assaulted, as well as nurses are five times more likely to be assaulted than your average workers," said Georgia Nurses Association CEO Matt Caseman.
At least one hospital in the Atlanta area—Northside Hospital—has already begun posting job openings for police officers.
