Posted: | October 14, 2015 12:54 PM |
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From: | Senator Wayne D. Fontana |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Reporting of Daily Nursing Ratios |
In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that would require hospitals to compile and maintain daily reports in each patient care unit, including:
My bill would require that unit staffing reports be posted publically in patient care areas. The Department of Health would also compile and publish quarterly reports on staffing levels for each Pennsylvania hospital. This would provide potential patients with accurate information on where to seek care as well as prospective employees. In addition, whistle blower protections would be put in place to offer security for the hospital workforce who speak up about staffing quality of care issues in their facility. I feel that this is a critical issue that needs addressed because numerous academic studies have shown that chronic short staffing is a major contribution to preventable hospital born infections, accidents, and patient deaths, all which drive up healthcare costs and diminish the quality of patient care. Furthermore, these transparency guidelines were recommended by the non-partisan Joint State Government Commission in 2014. I hope you will consider joining me by co sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as SB1081