The Minnesota Nurses Association has proposed legislation that would set nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, which it says would improve staff and patient safety.
The proposed 2012 Staffing For Patient Safety Act includes setting a maximum patient assignment for registered nurses based on varying factors, including nursing intensity and patient acuity, and would require hospital administrators to work directly with nurses to ensure that adequate resources are provided to keep patients safe. It would also increase transparency surrounding the staffing process.
Union officials presented its legislative proposal at a press conference earlier this week. They were joined by Sen. Jeff Hayden (D-Minneapolis) and Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker), according to a Star Tribune report.
Lawrence Massa, president and CEO of the Minnesota Hospital Association, responded that staffing ratios are too costly and do not solve patient safety concerns, according to the report.
The proposed 2012 Staffing For Patient Safety Act includes setting a maximum patient assignment for registered nurses based on varying factors, including nursing intensity and patient acuity, and would require hospital administrators to work directly with nurses to ensure that adequate resources are provided to keep patients safe. It would also increase transparency surrounding the staffing process.
Union officials presented its legislative proposal at a press conference earlier this week. They were joined by Sen. Jeff Hayden (D-Minneapolis) and Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker), according to a Star Tribune report.
Lawrence Massa, president and CEO of the Minnesota Hospital Association, responded that staffing ratios are too costly and do not solve patient safety concerns, according to the report.
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