This bill requires health care employers (including hospitals, certain state facilities, and other licensed health care sites like teaching hospitals and non-acute care facilities) to create and maintain workplace violence prevention programs. Key mechanisms include annual risk assessments co-developed with employees, written violence prevention plans detailing hazard mitigation and reporting systems, mandatory employee training on reporting incidents, and designated crisis response teams for affected staff. Employers must submit incident reports every 180 days to the department and local district attorney, with data made publicly available statewide. Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per offense, and employees cannot be penalized for reporting safety concerns.
By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1557) of Edward J. Kennedy and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to vaccines and preventing future disease outbreaks. Public Health.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1495) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to healthcare worker and first responder safety and HIV testing. Public Health.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1561) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to create an OBGYN loan repayment grant program. Public Health.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 253) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to modernize licensure of dietitians and nutritionists by creating a Dietetics and Nutrition board. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Mark (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1575) of Tim Jernigan-Smith, for legislation to provide municipalities to opt out of fluoridation treatments. Public Health.
HD 4206 allows minors aged 12 or older to consent to hospital and medical care for substance use disorders without parental permission. A medical professional must first determine the minor has a substance use disorder. This consent cannot be canceled later because the minor is under 18. The bill directly affects minors with substance use disorders seeking treatment and healthcare providers offering such care. It changes existing law to remove parental consent requirements for this specific treatment.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 878) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to asset limits for MassHealth. Health Care Financing.
HD 3250, titled "An Act ensuring access to medical records," prohibits healthcare entities from charging separate fees for transmitting patient electronic medical records. This applies specifically when data transmission is needed for coverage, payment, care coordination, or health care quality improvement efforts. The bill directly affects hospitals, insurers, and other healthcare providers handling electronic health records. It creates a concrete policy change by banning additional charges for this standard administrative function, improving access to records without cost barriers.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1525) of James B. Eldridge and Michael D. Brady for legislation to ensure safe medication administration. Public Health.
