Texas Senate Bill SB476

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/17/09
• Voted on by Senate: 3/25/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by House: 5/20/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to staffing, overtime, and other employment protections for nurses.

Impact

This bill stipulates that hospitals must develop nurse staffing policies that reflect the hospital's needs and take into account various factors such as patient care intensity and the skill mix of nurses. The legislation emphasizes the importance of input from nurses themselves and includes provisions that protect those who raise concerns about staffing levels from retaliation. Furthermore, any refusal by nurses to work mandatory overtime cannot be classified as patient abandonment, meaning that nurses can prioritize patient safety and their own well-being without fear of disciplinary action.

Summary

SB476 is a legislative proposal focused on enhancing employment protections for nurses in Texas, specifically addressing staffing, overtime, and retaliatory actions against nurses. The bill's primary objective is to establish safeguarded guidelines to ensure that hospitals maintain adequate nurse staffing levels, thereby enhancing patient care and improving nursing work environments. It mandates the formation of a nurse staffing committee in each hospital, which will be responsible for developing and enforcing staffing policies, and evaluating patient care needs based on evidence and best practices.

Contention

While SB476 aims to improve the working conditions for nurses and overall patient care, it has raised discussions regarding the balance between hospital flexibility and the required staffing levels. Some hospital administrators may argue that strict compliance with the proposed staffing regulations could strain operational capabilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas where staffing shortages are already a concern. Nevertheless, supporters argue that insufficient staffing can lead to adverse health outcomes, creating a pressing need for legislative intervention to ensure safe staffing levels.