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HD 3384

An Act relative to health care worker and first responder safety

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Donahue

Massachusetts bill establishes workplace violence protections, safety training, and reporting protocols for health care workers and first responders.

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Bill Summary · HD 3384

Legislative bill overview

HD 3384 establishes legal protections and safety measures for health care workers and first responders in Massachusetts. The bill creates protocols for reporting and addressing workplace violence, mandates safety training, and potentially establishes penalties for assaults against these workers. It aims to reduce injuries and improve working conditions for medical and emergency personnel.

Why is this important

Health care workers and first responders face elevated risks of violence and assault on the job, with documented increases in workplace incidents post-pandemic. Workplace violence affects employee retention, mental health, and the quality of emergency/medical care delivery. Legal protections and formal safety protocols can reduce incidents and provide recourse for affected workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Mandating safety protocols and training programs requires funding; debate will likely center on whether hospitals, fire departments, and emergency services can absorb these costs or need state support
  • Definitional scope: Disagreement may arise over what constitutes "workplace violence" (verbal abuse, threats, physical contact, etc.) and which incidents trigger legal consequences
  • Balance with patient rights: Questions about whether enhanced protections might limit patient access to facilities or infringe on patient advocacy, particularly regarding psychiatric patients or those in crisis
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Clarity needed on who enforces rules, what penalties apply, and whether criminal charges or civil liability are involved

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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