A bill in Massachusetts is being considered to expand the scope of sexual offenses committed by health care providers or members of the clergy. The bill, recently approved by the Massachusetts House, includes provisions for rape of a patient by a health care provider, indecent assault and battery on vulnerable individuals in law enforcement custody, and indecent assault and battery on a patient by a health care provider.
The proposed legislation aims to address cases of sexual abuse by doctors and the ongoing clergy sexual abuse scandal. It outlines penalties for those who commit indecent assault and battery or induce sexual intercourse with patients or clients under false pretenses of medical or treatment purposes.
If passed, the bill would establish imprisonment sentences for offenders, ranging from 2 1/2 years to 20 years, depending on the severity of the offense. It also declares that patients or clients cannot consent to sexual contact if misled under false pretenses.
The bill is currently under review by the Senate Ways and Means Committee and is expected to be voted on by the Senate before reaching Governor Maura Healey’s desk for final approval. The proposed legislation aims to address and prevent instances of sexual abuse and misconduct by health care providers and clergy members in Massachusetts.
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