Bill > S1463

This bill amends Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws to establish protections for public safety and public health workers. Key provisions include: 1. Defining "first responders" as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, corrections officers, and other similar public safety positions, and "infectious diseases dangerous to the public health" as defined by the Department of Public Health regulations. 2. Requiring first responders who experience an "unprotected exposure capable of transmitting an infectious disease dangerous to the public health" while transporting a patient to a healthcare facility to provide a standardized trip form to the facility. 3. Requiring healthcare facilities that receive such a trip form to test the patient for infectious diseases, and notify any individuals listed on the trip form of the potential exposure and appropriate medical precautions, while maintaining the patient's confidentiality. 4. Allowing first responders or the Department of Public Health to petition the district court to order a patient to provide a blood or bodily fluid specimen for testing if the patient refuses. 5. Providing immunity from civil or criminal liability for healthcare facilities and their representatives who report or test in good faith under the provisions of this bill.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1463