Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill Wednesday making it a felony to threaten healthcare workers.

The act provides for a felony threatening to threaten a health care worker or their family in an official capacity because of what happened at a health care facility, punishable by up to six years in prison. Lawmakers drafted the measure in response to stories from health care providers about patients threatening doctors and others trying to care for them.

Current state law makes it a felony to assault a nurse, an emergency healthcare provider or someone who works in an emergency room.

In a statement announcing the signing, Evers said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthcare workers, who deserve to be safe.

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