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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 23, 2015 01:25 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Daylin Leach |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Nurse to Patient Ratios |
| In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation which would fix the minimum ratio of patients to nurses in Pennsylvania Hospitals. There is compelling statistical evidence that patient safety is improved dramatically and the costs to hospitals are reduced as malpractice claims fall and unnecessary, uncompensated care is avoided. The bill will set different ratios depending on the nature of the unit; for instance a neo-natal intensive care unit has a much lower ration (1:2) than a pre-surgical unit (1:4). This bill is an important part of keeping hospital patients safe and ensuring they receive the best care possible. In addition, this represents an excellent way for hospitals to make an investment in patient care that will pay dividends in overall savings. A number of other states have already instituted such ratios. If you have questions about this legislation, please contact my Legislative Director, Jon Tew at jtew@pasenate.com or 610-768-4200. |
Introduced as SB553