Schakowsky, Senator Brown Reintroduce Bill to Improve Patient Care, Empower Nurses

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in introducing the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act.

Schakowsky and Brown's bill would set minimum nurse-to-patient staffing requirements, study best practices for nurse staffing, and provide whistleblower protections to protect the right of nurses to advocate for the safety of their patients. Currently, no rules exist to establish minimum staffing levels at hospitals, which can put patients at risk and often forces nurses to care for too many patients at one time without enough support. Studies have shown that safe staffing saves lives, specifically that lower nurse-to-patient ratios are associated with lower mortality rates. This legislation directs hospitals to develop and implement nurse staffing plans that ensure quality care and patient safety.

"This National Nurses Week, I am proud to introduce the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act with my friend Senator Brown," said Congresswoman Schakowsky."Safe staffing levels save lives. Numerous studies have shown that safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios result in higher quality care for patients, lower health care costs, and a better workplace for nurses. This bill will improve the health of patients by improving nursing care--establishing minimum registered nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, protecting the rights of nurses to advocate on behalf of their patients, and investing in training and retaining nurses to address the nationwide nursing shortage. It is past time that we act on the evidence and give nurses the support they deserve, and put patients over profits. I will continue to partner with nurses across the country in promoting this bill and fighting to end dangerous staffing. "

"Nurses work long hours doing vital work in our health care system -- their jobs are critical to keeping patients safe and providing the highest quality care," said Senator Brown."But too often, nurses are stretched too thin, caring for too many patients with not enough support. We can prevent that by ensuring nurses are adequately staffed, and protecting their ability to go to hospital management, without fearing potential retaliation."

The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act would also provide educational support for nurses through an expansion of the nurse retention grant and support for the nurse workforce loan repayment and scholarship program.

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