HB 1309 Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

Explanation of H. R. 1309

This bill, known as the "Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act," directs the Secretary of Labor to create a standard for occupational safety and health. This standard requires employers in the health care and social service industries to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to prevent workplace violence.

Key Points of the Bill:

• Requires the Secretary of Labor to issue an interim workplace violence prevention standard within 1 year.
• This standard will apply to certain employers in health care and social service sectors, based on guidelines from 2015.
• Employers must prioritize technical assistance for compliance.
• Defines covered facilities and services in the health care and social service industries.

This bill also outlines requirements for workplace violence prevention plans, including plan development, content, training, recordkeeping, and anti-retaliation policies. It also amends the Social Security Act to require hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to comply with the Workplace Violence Prevention Standard.

Passed by the House of Representatives on November 21, 2019.