Achieving Legislative and Regulatory Buy-In
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MASSACHUSETTS
H2052 Safe Patient Handling Bill
Feb 19th 2008
The Joint Committee on Public Health voted to give a favorable report to H.2052 "An Act Relating to Safe Patient Handling in Certain Health Facilities," sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Callahan (D-Sutton).
H. 2662 plan of implemenation
H. 2662 calls for an approach that would require all health care facilities in the state to develop and implement a health care worker back injury prevention plan to protect nurses and other caregivers, as well as patients, from injury. The plan would mandate the following:
- A systematic process in each facility for addressing ergonomics, recognizing occupational health and safety hazards, and preventing injuries specific in each health care facility.
- Needs assessment by facilities of patients’ lift and transfer requirements and resulting handling, lift and equipment needs.
- Specialized training of health care workers and lift team members by qualified personnel, with demonstration of proficiency in handling techniques and use of handling equipment.
- Protection of workers against disciplinary action for refusal to lift or handle patients due to concerns about patient and worker safety.
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