Us Congress Senate Bill SB1113

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, SB1113 will amend the Public Health Service Act, compelling hospitals to implement and adhere to outlined staffing plans that ensure a high quality of care to patients. This law is expected to encourage hospitals to better manage their resources to meet these requirements, ultimately improving the patient experience and reducing incidents of care-related errors. Additionally, the bill addresses the registered nurse shortage, likely promoting recruitment and retention of nursing professionals by fostering an environment conducive to safer and more manageable workloads.

Summary

SB1113, known as the 'Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2023', aims to establish minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in hospitals. The bill identifies the pivotal role that adequate nurse staffing plays in ensuring quality healthcare and patient safety while setting statutory standards for how many patients can be assigned to a single nurse depending on the unit's specific requirements. The legislation seeks to address a growing concern within healthcare systems regarding inadequate staffing and its correlation with increased medical errors and compromised patient care outcomes.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB1113 typically center on the practicality and enforceability of these mandated staffing ratios. Proponents argue that the bill's provisions are essential for protecting patient health and improving care quality, while opponents express concerns regarding the feasibility of complying with stringent staffing requirements, especially in rural and understaffed urban hospitals. There are also discussions about the implications for hospital administration and funding, as increased staffing needs may result in higher operational costs that could affect hospitals' financial viability.