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 comprehensive prevention plans that include employee training, reporting systems, and a designated crisis response team. The bill also establishes penalties for violations and protects employees 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 depleting their other leave options. It ensures confidentiality regarding the leave and prohibits discrimination against employees exercising their rights. The bill also requires health care facilities or labor organizations to provide documentation related to incidents within 24 hours and mandates the commissioner of public health and the division of labor standards to create regulations for implementation. Furthermore, it calls for a report from the executive office of health and human services, in collaboration with the executive office of public safety and security, to improve data sharing and collaboration between health care facilities and law enforcement regarding patients with mental health or behavioral issues.