S 1538 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act requiring health care facilities to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence

This bill requires hospitals in Massachusetts to create and enforce programs designed to prevent workplace violence against their staff. It mandates that the state develop safety standards covering various risk factors, such as working alone or in high-traffic areas, and that facilities submit their security plans to the state department. The law also requires hospitals to train employees on de-escalation techniques, mental health awareness, and how to report incidents, ensuring these measures are applied without bias toward any patient group.
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 May 13, 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
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Apr 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Apr 4, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors