Bill > S1535

This bill introduces comprehensive requirements for safe patient handling and mobility in health care facilities, aimed at reducing injury risks for both patients and healthcare workers. The legislation mandates that hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities establish a safe patient handling and mobility program by December 1, 2023, which includes creating a committee with at least half non-managerial direct care employees. The program requires facilities to conduct comprehensive risk assessments, identify and acquire appropriate patient handling equipment like mechanical lifting devices, and provide specialized training to staff on safe patient handling techniques. Facilities must develop policies that minimize manual lifting, conduct individual patient ergonomic evaluations, track injury data, and ensure equipment maintenance. By December 30, 2024, facilities must acquire the necessary patient handling equipment as determined by their committee, with at least one lift device available per unit. The Department of Public Health will oversee compliance and develop methods to enforce the new requirements, potentially including penalties for non-compliance. The bill also stipulates that future healthcare facility construction or renovation plans must incorporate patient handling equipment and appropriate design considerations, ultimately seeking to create safer working and healing environments by reducing physical strain during patient transfers and movements.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1535