Bill > H2448

This bill establishes statewide limits on the number of patients a registered nurse can be assigned to care for simultaneously in hospitals across Massachusetts. The bill requires the Department of Public Health and Department of Mental Health to develop specific patient-to-nurse ratios for various hospital units, including emergency services, pediatrics, psychiatric, medical, surgical, and maternal child care units. The regulations must be developed after holding public hearings and inviting stakeholder input, with the goal of ensuring patient safety and quality of care. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms through the Attorney General, who can impose civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, and provides protections for nurses who report or comply with these patient limits. Hospitals will be required to submit compliance plans if violations are identified, and nurses cannot be disciplined for adhering to the new patient limits. The regulations will also include provisions for suspending these limits during public health emergencies. The Department of Public Health must develop and implement these regulations within 24 months of the act's passage, with the aim of promoting patient safety and equitable access to healthcare by preventing nurses from being overburdened with excessive patient assignments.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2448