Bill > S1339

This bill amends Chapter 111 of the General Laws to establish new protections for public safety and public health workers, known as "first responders," who are exposed to infectious diseases while transporting patients to health care facilities. Key provisions include: - Requiring first responders who experience an "unprotected exposure" to an "infectious disease dangerous to the public health" to immediately provide a standardized trip form to the receiving health care facility. - Requiring the health care facility to test the patient for infectious diseases and notify any first responders listed on the trip form of the patient's diagnosis and any necessary medical precautions, while maintaining the patient's confidentiality. - Allowing first responders or the Department of Public Health to petition a district court to order a patient to provide a blood or bodily fluid specimen for testing if the patient refuses. - Providing immunity from civil or criminal liability for health care facilities and their representatives who report and test patients in good faith under this law. The bill aims to protect first responders by ensuring they receive timely information about potential infectious disease exposures while transporting patients, so they can take appropriate medical precautions.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1339