State lawmakers introduce patient safety legislation

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_5433

13 February 2013

ST. PAUL - Minnesota lawmakers have responded to nurses' concerns by introducing the Standards of Care Act in the 2013 legislative session to ensure the safety of hospital patients in Minnesota.

"Study after study shows proper staffing lowers health care costs. Other states that have implemented and/or studied the staffing standards report the probability of death drops by double-digits. Nurses working at the bedside tell me patients are at risk, and I believe them," said Senator Jeff Hayden, DFL-Minneapolis, the bill's co-sponsor.

The Standards of Care Act makes it incumbent upon hospitals to ensure enough nurses are on duty according to patient needs per unit and per shift. The bill further states that, in developing patient assignments, hospitals will abide by nationally accepted, evidence-based standards established by professional specialty nursing organizations. In addition, assignment limits would be adjustable for patient acuity and nursing intensity. The measure would also enforce consequences for facilities that fail to meet these standards.

"It's clear from study after study that safe Standards of Care save lives," said Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, bill co-sponsor, "We know this is a difficult issue, but we want to work with the hospitals on this – in fact, we've already reached out to them. We need to find a solution that works for nurses, hospitals, and most importantly, works for patients and keeps them safe.”

FULL story at link.