§ 5-29-203 — Abuse of a vulnerable person

(a) A person commits abuse of a vulnerable person if, being a healthcare provider or caregiver, he or she purposely abuses a vulnerable person under his or her care or to whom he or she has access due to his or her position as a healthcare provider or caregiver. (b) Abuse of a vulnerable person is a: (1) Class B felony if the abuse causes serious physical injury or a substantial risk of death to the vulnerable person; (2) Class D felony if the abuse causes physical injury to the vulnerable person; or (3) Class B misdemeanor if otherwise committed. (c) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section for the use of a physical restraint or chemical restraint if the physical restraint or chemical restraint was necessary for the immediate safety of the vulnerable person, another patient, or staff in the inpatient facility.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2023, No. 783,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.