Note: This version of section effective until 9-1-2025. See also following version of this section, effective 9-1-2025.

Sec. 5. (a) The following definitions apply throughout this section:

1. (1) "Health care provider" refers to a health care provider (as defined in IC 16-18-2-163 (a), IC 16-18-2-163 (b), or IC 16-18-2-163 (c)) or a qualified medication aide as described in IC 16-28-1-11 .
2. (2) "Licensed health professional" has the meaning set forth in IC 25-23-1-27.1 .
3. (3) "Practitioner" has the meaning set forth in IC 16-42-19-5 . However, the term does not include a veterinarian.
4. (4) "Prescription drug" has the meaning set forth in IC 35-48-1.1-35 .

5. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally physically interrupts, obstructs, or alters the delivery or administration of a prescription drug:

   1. (1) prescribed or ordered by a practitioner for a person who is a patient of the practitioner; and

   2. (2) without the prescription or order of a practitioner;

      commits interference with medical services, a Class A misdemeanor, except as provided in subsection (c).

6. (c) An offense described in subsection (b) is:

   1. (1) a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury;
   2. (2) a Level 5 felony if it is committed by a person who is a licensed health care provider or licensed health professional;
   3. (3) a Level 4 felony if it results in serious bodily injury to the patient; and
   4. (4) a Level 2 felony if it results in the death of the patient.

7. (d) A person is justified in engaging in conduct otherwise prohibited under this section if the conduct is performed by:

   1. (1) a health care provider or licensed health professional who acts in good faith within the scope of the person's practice or employment; or
   2. (2) a person who is rendering emergency care at the scene of an emergency or accident in a good faith attempt to avoid or minimize serious bodily injury to the patient.

As added by P.L.158-2013, SEC.547. Amended by P.L.186-2025, SEC.241.