Bill > H2364

This bill provides comprehensive safeguards for home healthcare workers by establishing several key protections and requirements for employers. The legislation mandates that home healthcare employers must provide annual workplace safety training, develop programs to minimize violence risks, and conduct safety assessments before workers are assigned to a patient's home. These assessments must evaluate the patient's psychiatric status, history of violent behavior, substance use disorder, presence of other individuals, and potential weapon risks. Employers are required to provide workers with communication devices like cell phones and hand-held alarms, and workers are granted the right to refuse service in situations where they believe there is an imminent danger, without facing compensation loss or disciplinary action. The bill also establishes that employers must create an in-house crisis response team to support workers who experience workplace violence and mandates reporting of violent incidents to both the department and district attorney's office. Additionally, the bill provides workers with up to 7 paid days of leave if they are victims of assault while on duty, during which they can seek legal assistance, obtain protective orders, or address other related legal issues. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who report safety concerns or take protected leave, and violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per incident, with potential cease and desist orders from the attorney general.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2364