take action
legislation we support
The listed bills are looking to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratio requirements in hospitals, and for other purposes.
These bills are sitting in their respective committees:
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Senate: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
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House of Representatives: House Energy & Commerce and House Ways & Means
Our goal is to get this legislation passed to the Senate and House of Representatives where they can be put up for a YES vote. Here is why nurses should advocate for S.1357 and H.R.2581:
Having a safe patient limit on the amount of patients that a nurse is forced to take allows for a safer environment for patients, and reduces cost in the long term for hospitals. This legislation sets a maximum limit of patients that a nurse must take and it factors in a plan for acuity adjustments that need to be made for patients and staffing. Use this Fact Sheet to review and give to your legislator.
A copious amount of studies prove that more patients per nurse result in a higher mortality rate. Studies also show that there is a long term cost benefit to hospitals due to better nurse retention, decreased occupational injuries, and lessened complications in the hospital. Familiarize yourself with the differences between the proposed federal staffing bills, what the ANA supports (ONLY acuity/staffing committees) compared to what NursesTakeDC supports (ratios AND acuity).
where do i start?
Getting legislation introduced from a grassroots standpoint means with a little work anyone can get a bill introduced into congress. The following are 4 easy steps to make your voice heard:
