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New Legislation Aims to Protect Patients and Healthcare Workers in Massachusetts

On June 23, 2025, Massachusetts lawmakers will convene at the State House to review critical legislative bills aimed at enhancing safety for patients, nurses, and healthcare professionals. These bills focus on implementing safe patient limits, preventing violence against home healthcare workers, and reducing lifting injuries among nurses. This initiative is driven by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), underscoring the necessity of ensuring a safe working environment for those in the healthcare sector.

Katie Murphy, an intensive care unit nurse and President of MNA, emphasizes the urgency of these laws: “When nurses are overwhelmed with excessive patient loads, care deteriorates, errors become more frequent, and both patients and caregivers are placed at unnecessary risk.” She also highlights the growing challenges in home care where healthcare professionals face violence and abuse while providing essential services in patients' homes.

The Legislative Hearing Details

The hearing will take place in Room B-1 at the State House, starting at 9 a.m. During this session, stakeholders will testify on the importance of several bills designed to enhance patient care and workplace safety.

Key Bills Under Review

1. An Act Promoting Patient Safety and Equitable Access to Care (S. 1522/H. 2448)
- Sponsors: Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Natalie Higgins.
- This act mandates the Department of Public Health to enforce limits on the number of patients assigned to nurses, tailored by hospital unit. Recent surveys indicate that excessive patient assignments are a leading factor in the declining quality of care and increased stress among nurses.

2. An Act Relative to Safe Patient Handling and Mobility in Certain Health Facilities (S. 1535/H. 2396)
- Sponsors: Sen. Paul Feeney, Rep. Marjorie Decker.
- Focused on minimizing musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers, this bill calls for the implementation of safe patient handling programs to manage the risks associated with lifting and moving patients.

3. An Act Providing Safeguards for Home Healthcare Workers (S. 1632/H. 2364)
- Sponsors: Sen. John Velis, Rep. Bruce Ayers.
- This legislation aims to enhance protection against violence for home healthcare workers, requiring safety assessments before services commence, and providing support for those who encounter violence on the job.

The Crux of the Issue

A combination of increased workloads and rising incidents of workplace violence has led to alarming trends in nurse safety and patient care. According to the 2025 State of Nursing in Massachusetts survey, 67% of nurses reported insufficient time to deliver adequate patient care. Alarmingly, 49% expressed concerns that unsafe staffing could endanger their nursing licenses.

Furthermore, the physical toll of lifting patients is significant. Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that nurses face a higher rate of musculoskeletal injuries compared to other professions. Hospital employees lift approximately 1.8 tons per shift, resulting in career-threatening injuries and substantial costs for healthcare providers.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, it is crucial to address these pressing concerns. Chuck O'Connell, another advocate in the nursing field, states, “The solutions are not mere suggestions; they are necessary actions to protect our healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes.” The MNA legislation reflects recommendations from previous studies and task forces that highlight the importance of safe healthcare practices.

The Call to Action

With the legislative hearing approaching, the MNA urges supporters and healthcare workers to advocate for the passage of these essential bills. The message is clear: protecting healthcare workers and ensuring patient safety should be a collective priority within Massachusetts.

As the June 23 hearing draws near, the anticipation builds around what may become a pivotal moment for healthcare in the region. Advocates believe that through effective legislation, we can foster a safer and more effective healthcare environment for both patients and those who care for them.

For more updates on the legislative process and news from Massachusetts nurses, visit MassNurses.org. The Massachusetts Nurses Association continues to champion healthcare reforms that benefit both patients and professionals alike.