Bill > HB62

This bill establishes comprehensive nurse staffing requirements for healthcare facilities in Hawaii, including hospitals, home care agencies, and residential care homes. The legislation mandates specific nurse-to-patient ratios for different types of medical units and patient conditions, ranging from one nurse per patient in critical care or operating rooms to four nurses per patient in medical-surgical or psychiatric units. The bill requires healthcare facilities to assign registered nurses based on the specific care needs of patients, prohibits averaging staffing levels, and prevents facilities from using mandatory overtime or electronic monitoring as a substitute for direct nurse care. The bill also empowers nurses to advocate for patient safety, allowing them to refuse assignments they believe compromise patient care or their professional judgment. Healthcare facilities must maintain detailed staffing records, which must be submitted to the Department of Health and posted in patient care units, and can face fines between $10,000 and $25,000 for violations. The Department of Health will conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance, and the law will take effect on January 1, 2026, with the goal of improving patient care and nurse working conditions by establishing clear, patient-specific staffing guidelines.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=62&year=2025