Waltham state representative leads passing of bill addressing workplace violence in state health care facilities

The Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill on Nov. 19 requiring health care employers develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence.

According to a press release from state Rep. John Lawn, D-Mass., 10th Middlesex, An Act requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence strengthens the protection of health care workers in the workplace by establishing prevention and protection standards to reduce the risk of violence, improving facility incident reporting and coordination between agencies to maintain privacy as well as creating legal protection for employees harmed on the job.

“Every day, health care workers face an imminent risk of workplace violence. This bill takes decisive action to ensure our laws reflect our values and deliver real protections for those who protect us,” Lawn said in a statement in the press release. “The coordinated work of the Legislature, the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, the Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199SEIU sends a unified message that the Commonwealth is committed to empowering our health care workforce.”

Lawn, the state representative for Waltham, Watertown and Newton, has been chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing since 2021 and was the lead sponsor of this legislation, according to a representative from his office.

The press release also said that according to a 2023 report from the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, workers in state health care facilities are physically assaulted, threatened or verbally abused every 38 minutes.

Steve Walsh, MHA president and chief executive officer, thanked Lawn in a statement.

“Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, and longtime legislative sponsors and advocates Majority Leader Moran and Chair Lawn. Our hospitals are proud to be working in close collaboration with the MNA and 1199SEIU to stem the tide of the current workplace violence crisis — especially as our healthcare system remains under significant strain,” Walsh said.

The bill, which passed the House of Representatives with a 158 to zero vote of approval, is set to appear before the Senate for further consideration at an unspecified date.