Dear Friend,

As you know, the nursing shortage in our state creates troubling situations for our dedicated health care professionals, their patients and the facilities where they work. That’s why it’s so important that we have transparency when it comes to staffing levels in hospitals, and why I supported new legislation that does just that. The Nursing Care Quality Protection Act gives patients and their families the opportunity to access this crucial information (Ch. 422 of 2009).

The law requires each hospital to report the numbers of RNs and LPNs providing direct care and the ratio of patients to registered nurses; the number of unlicensed personnel providing direct care; the incidence of adverse patient events – such as medication errors and injuries; and the methods the hospital uses for determining and adjusting staffing levels. The law goes into effect on Mar. 16, 2010.

The direct care and human comfort nurses bring to those who are sick is invaluable. A kind look, a comforting touch or an ear to listen is an irreplaceable gift that can be as important to a patient’s recovery as their medical care, and we can’t let it be compromised. It’s essential that vital hospital staffing data be available to the public so families can make informed decisions about where to receive care. Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care, and I’m working to ensure that quality hospitals and the health care professionals we count on are there when we need them.