Res. No. 396
Title
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.1532/S.3330, collectively known as the "Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act," to ensure that acute care facilities and nursing homes meet the appropriate staffing ratios for nurses and unlicensed direct care staff.
Body
By Council Members Cabrera and Salamanca
Whereas, In order to maintain low operating costs hospitals will reduce the number of nurses, because they comprise the largest clinical subgroup in hospitals; and
Whereas, According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the inadequacy of nursing staff levels has led to poor patient outcomes; and
Whereas, Studies indicate that higher nursing workloads are associated with increased medication errors, increased rates of infection and even increased mortality rates; and
Whereas, A report published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, indicates that better registered nurse (RN) staffing policies, such as reducing the number of patients assigned to individual nurses, results in better patient outcomes and lower costs to health care providers; and
Whereas, According to a report published by Health Services Research in 2012, nursing homes which have safe staff ratios have better quality facilities and improved functional status of the residents; and
Whereas, In 2004 California passed the Minimum Nurse Staffing Legislation, which required hospitals to institute nurse to patient ratios; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that nurses in California have reported a better quality of life and improved patient care as a result of the law; and
Whereas, In 2017, New York State Senator Kemp Hannon introduced S.3330 and New York State Assembly Member Aileen Gunther introduced A.1532, which are collectively known as the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act; and
Whereas, The Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act w...
Click here for full text