Bill > H2655

This bill requires health care employers to develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs to protect employees in health care facilities. The legislation mandates that employers conduct annual facility-specific risk assessments, identifying factors that could potentially expose employees to violence, such as working in public settings, late-night hours, or areas with high-risk patient populations. Based on these assessments, employers must create and implement a written violence prevention plan that includes employee training, reporting mechanisms for violent incidents, and methods to mitigate identified risks. The bill also requires health care employers to designate a senior manager to lead an in-house crisis response team for employee-victims of workplace violence, offering support services like crisis counseling, support groups, and professional referrals. Additionally, the legislation provides legal protections for employees who report workplace violence, prohibits employers from retaliating against such employees, and establishes penalties for non-compliance, including potential fines up to $2,000 per offense and the possibility of facility closure for serious violations. The bill also introduces provisions for paid leave for employees who are victims of assault while on duty, ensuring they can seek victim services, legal assistance, or attend court proceedings without using their personal leave time. Furthermore, the legislation increases criminal penalties for assaults against health care workers and requires coordination between health care and public safety agencies to improve data sharing and support for employees.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2655