An Act relative to healthcare worker and first responder safety
This bill amends Massachusetts law to allow healthcare workers and first responders to test patients for HIV without written consent if the worker is exposed to their blood or bodily fluids while on duty. It specifically applies to providers, police officers, firefighters, prison guards, and other public officers who come into contact with potentially infected fluids during their work. The key provision permits sharing the test results with the exposed worker even if the patient refuses to give permission, prioritizing the safety of those in the line of duty.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Jul 29, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Apr 18, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Health
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
John Cronin
DDemocratic
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