Bill > HB138

This bill establishes the Hospital Patient Safety Act, which requires hospitals to create three distinct staffing committees (nursing, professional/technical, and service staff) to develop and regularly review staffing plans that prioritize patient safety. Each committee must include at least 51% direct care staff members and be co-chaired by a manager and a staff member, meeting quarterly to develop and assess staffing strategies. The bill mandates specific nurse-to-patient ratios for different hospital units, such as one nurse to two patients in intensive care units and one nurse to four patients in medical-surgical units. Starting January 1, 2026, hospitals must submit these staffing plans to the state department as a condition of licensing, with plans that detail patient census, acuity levels, staffing guidelines, and strategies to ensure safe and adequate patient care. The legislation also prohibits unlicensed personnel from performing complex nursing functions and requires hospitals to post their staffing plans publicly. The bill includes provisions for emergency exceptions and potential waivers for rural hospitals, and directs the state department to establish a process for reporting and investigating violations of the act.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=138&year=25