Union Demands Nurse-Patient Staffing Ratios in Washington, D.C.

The National Nurses Union is putting pressure on council members in Washington, D.C., to pass legislation that would require all D.C. hospitals to adhere to nurse-to-patient ratios within four years, according to a Washington Business Journal report.

Washington, D.C., Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) introduced a bill in February that would require nurse-to-patient ratios of 1:1 in the operating room to 1:6 in psychiatric wards, among other staffing requirements. But nothing has happened with that bill since it was introduced Feb. 5.

Now the NNU has launched a letter-writing campaign focused on the council's 13 members and D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray. The union will hold a rally today outside the John A. Wilson Building in D.C., as well, which is where the council meets.

Hospitals have "promised a fierce fight" against the bill, according to the report, calling it unnecessary. They also say it would prohibitively raise labor costs at a time when political and market forces are demanding lower healthcare spending.  

More Articles on Hospitals and Unions:

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Bozeman Deaconess Hospital in Montana Settles NLRB Complaints
Union Robo-Calls to Hospital CEO's Direct Line Are Fair Game, Court Rules

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