A safety needle assembly is provided herein which includes a displaceable locking tongue which has a first position in which the locking tongue covers an aperture formed in a shield so as to prevent the passage therethrough of a needle. A biasing element is also provided for urging the locking tongue to the first position. The locking tongue is releasably retained in a retained position prior to use of the safety needle assembly, the aperture being sufficiently uncovered with the locking tongue being in the retained position so as to permit passage of the needle through the aperture. The locking tongue is releasably retained in the retained position against biasing force of the biasing element. With the shield being displaced proximally from a first position to a second position, the locking tongue is released from the retained position and permitted to be displaced to the first position under force of the biasing element. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a safety needle assembly is provided which covers a used needle after use and, optionally, provides a use indicator.
