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Bill > HB2604


IL HB2604

SAFE PATIENT LIMITS


summary

Introduced
02/14/2019
In Committee
06/23/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
101st General Assembly

Bill Summary

Creates the Safe Patient Limits Act. Provides the maximum number of patients that may be assigned to a registered nurse in specified situations. Provides that nothing shall preclude a facility from assigning fewer patients to a registered nurse than the limits provided in Act. Provides that nothing in the Act precludes the use of patient acuity systems consistent with the Nurse Staffing by Patient Acuity Act; however, the maximum patient assignments in the Act may not be exceeded, regardless of the use and application of any patient acuity system. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall adopt rules governing the implementation and operation of the Act. Provides that all facilities shall adopt written policies and procedures for training and orientation of nursing staff and that no registered nurse shall be assigned to a nursing unit or clinical area unless that nurse has, among other things, demonstrated competence in providing care in that area. Provides that the written policies and procedures for the training and orientation of nursing staff shall require that all temporary personnel receive the same amount and type of training and orientation that is required for permanent staff. Provides that the Act's provisions are severable.

AI Summary

This bill, the Safe Patient Limits Act, establishes maximum patient assignments for registered nurses in various healthcare settings, such as critical care units, emergency departments, maternal child care units, and specialty care units. The bill also requires healthcare facilities to implement these patient limits without diminishing staffing levels, and directs the Department of Public Health to adopt rules governing the implementation and operation of the Act. Additionally, the bill allows for the use of patient acuity systems, but specifies that the maximum patient assignments must not be exceeded regardless of the application of such systems. The bill also requires facilities to have written policies and procedures for the training and orientation of nursing staff, and provides for enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties, for facilities that fail to adhere to the patient limits.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (24)

Last Action

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Lakesia Collins (on 11/03/2020)

bill text


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