Bill > S1567

This bill, the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2021, aims to establish direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratio requirements in hospitals. The key provisions include: - Requiring hospitals to implement staffing plans that provide adequate, appropriate, and quality delivery of health care services, with specific minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratios for different hospital units. - Establishing minimum direct care licensed practical nurse staffing requirements based on a study conducted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. - Providing for the enforcement of these requirements through federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as protections for nurses who object to or refuse assignments that violate the staffing requirements. - Authorizing funding for a nurse workforce initiative, including a scholarship and stipend program and grants for nurse retention and mentorship projects. The goal is to improve patient safety and quality of care by ensuring appropriate nurse staffing levels in hospitals.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1567/all-info