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Galicia Approves Health-Worker Protection Law With Fines Up to €15,000 and Five-Year Reassignments

Officials cite a surge in attacks on health staff, expanding protections to emergency responders with penalties up to €15,000.

Overview

  • The Consello de la Xunta approved the reform to the Lei de Saúde, with the government saying it will take effect in 2026 following parliamentary passage.
  • Sanidade will be able to reassign aggressors to a different doctor or health centre for up to five years to protect staff.
  • Protections are extended to emergency technicians and 061 personnel and to all workers serving the public system, including private-company staff, across centres, commutes and home care.
  • The law sets a three-tier sanction regime: €300–1,500 for minor offences, €1,501–3,000 for serious cases such as threats or cyberharassment, and €3,001–15,000 for very serious offences including physical assaults.
  • Recordings in consultations will require permission, with unauthorized taping deemed a breach of trust that can trigger referral to another clinician, while offenders may be required to repair damages and cover victims’ healthcare costs.