This bill mandates health care employers to develop and implement workplace violence prevention programs, introducing a new section to Chapter 111 of the General Laws that defines key terms such as "employee," "health care employer," and "workplace violence." Employers are required to conduct annual risk assessments in collaboration with employees and labor organizations to identify potential factors contributing to workplace violence. Based on these assessments, they must create a comprehensive prevention plan that includes employee training, reporting systems, and a designated crisis response team. Violations may result in fines, and employees are protected from retaliation for reporting incidents.

Additionally, the bill amends Chapter 149 to allow employees who are victims of assault or assault and battery while on duty to take paid leave for medical treatment or legal assistance without exhausting other leave options, ensuring confidentiality and prohibiting discrimination against those exercising their rights. It establishes penalties for individuals committing such acts against health care employees, with specified prison terms and fines based on injury severity. The bill also requires the commissioner of public health and the division of labor standards to create regulations within 180 days for implementation, and mandates a report from the executive office of health and human services within one year to improve data sharing and collaboration between health care facilities and law enforcement regarding patients with mental health or behavioral issues.